Tomb of Shah Jahan’s Daughter-In-Law, Shah Shuja, Is Not Waqf Property: MP High Court
New Age Islam News Bureau
31 July 2024
Madhya
Pradesh High Court in a recent ruling held that the three ancient monuments
located in Burhanpur were not part of Wakf board property. (File Photo)
-----------
·
Tomb of Shah Jahan’s Daughter-In-Law, Shah
Shuja, Is Not Waqf Property: MP High Court
·
UK Peer Accused of Islamophobia for ‘Power of
The Womb’ Comments in Debate On Counter-Terrorism
·
Bangladesh Set to Ban Jamaat-e-Islami, Top
Islamic Party After Deadly Jobs ProtestsThat Killed 150 People
·
Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh Assassinated in Iran:
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards
·
Mosques Under Jakim, Jawi to Hold Funeral
Prayers, In The Absence of the Dead, ForHamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh
India
·
Gujarat: Court Orders Registration of FIRs
Against Villagers Behind Call for Economic Boycott of Muslims
·
BJP leader NV Subhash asks Telangana government
to implement Love Jihad bill
·Farooq Abdullah fears Pakistan
'attack' amid surge in militancy in Jammu and Kashmir
·
Gadkari attends swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s
President
----
Europe
·
Rioting Erupts Outside UK Mosque After Police
Rule Out Terrorism In Horrendous, Lethal Knife Attack On Girls At Dance Class
·
Muslim Council of Britain Calls On Government
to End ‘Forces of Hatred’ After Southport Riot
·
UN Report:
Palestinian Detainees Taken by Israeli Authorities Faced Torture and
Mistreatment
·
British police, protesters clash outside mosque
following vigil for slain girls
·
Starmer says Southport rioters will ‘feel full
force of the law’
·
West using energy supplies to blackmail
opponents – Moscow
--------
South Asia
·
Islamic Emirate Officials Strengthen Ties with
Iran, Pledge Support for Afghan Traders
·
Afghanistan Embassies in London and Brussels
continue consular services
·
UNAMA Report: Arbitrary detentions, torture,
and killings of former security forces in Afghanistan
·
MoFA’s notice for Afghan nationals residing in
European countries
·
UN says 86 percent of Gaza now under Israeli
evacuation orders
--------
Mideast
·
Islamic Jihad vows continued resistance after
assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh
·
Islamic Resistance confronts Zionist fighters
violated Lebanese airspace
·
Leader praises Palestinian Resistance as the
foremost defender of Islam
·
'Expansion of Iran-UAE interaction to benefit
Islamic Ummah'
---------
Southeast Asia
·
PAS: Harder to solve Middle East conflict as
Palestine-Gaza crisis set to widen now from Haniyeh’s killing
·
Former VP Jusuf Kalla Pays Tribute to Ismail
Haniyeh, Calls for Peace in Palestine
·
Myanmar's junta terrorised a Rohingya Muslim
town. Then rebels burned it down
·
In response to Anwar’s call to recognise
Palestine, China says siding with Arab and Islamic states on the issue
·
Sabah Police Commissioner Cautions Against
Being Used By Terrorists
·
Prabowo Talks Defence Cooperation with
Turkiye’s Erdogan
·
Indonesian Citizens Advised to Evacuate Lebanon
as Conflict Escalates
--------
Pakistan
·
Amnesty Urges End to ‘Brutal Crackdown’ On
Baloch Protests, Voices Concern Over Organisers’ Arrest
·
Imran Khan asks military to nominate
representative for holding talks
·
Govt lambasts Imran Khan for asking military to
hold talks
·
Imran Khan seeks post-arrest bail in dozen May
9 cases
·
IHC orders de-sealing of PTI's central
secretariat in Islamabad
·
NA bill seeks to bar independents from changing
affidavit regarding party affiliation
·
Former Army Officer Awarded 14-Year Sentence
For Inciting Sedition: ISPR
·
Pakistan, Sri Lanka to boost cooperation in
diverse sectors
·
Warship of Turkish Navy, TCG Kinaliada, arrives
in Karachi
·
Students spend day with Pakistan Army at Malir
Garrison
---------
Arab World
·
OIC Condemns Israel’s Confiscation of
Palestinian Archaeological Sites
·
Saudi Arabia bolsters efforts to stem human
trafficking
·
Saudi Cabinet session praises Kingdom’s 2034
FIFA World Cup bid
·
Deputy minister for political affairs meets
Syrian ambassador to Saudi Arabia
·
Riyadh expo to discuss health sector
developments
·
KSrelief provides aid for needy in Guinea,
Turkiye
---------
North America
·
Muslim Leaders Condemn ‘Disgraceful’ Olympics
Scene: It ‘Offended Us as Much as Them’
·
US congressional aides launch site to allow
free criticism of Gaza war
--------
Africa
·
6,900 Surrendered Boko Haram Terrorists to Face
‘Transitional’ Justice — Borno Gov’t
·
Tinubu is neither anti-North nor anti-Islam –
Shettima
·
Mali: Nearly 50 Wagner fighters killed in an
ambush
·
Gunmen Kidnap Former Lawmaker in Delta
·
Borno Govt Declares Transitional Justice for
6,900 Boko Haram Terrorists
·
Boko Haram plans to infiltrate nationwide
protest – Police
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
Tomb of
Shah Jahan’s Daughter-In-Law, Shah Shuja, Is Not Waqf Property: MP High Court
Written
by Anand Mohan J
July 31,
2024
Madhya
Pradesh High Court in a recent ruling held that the three ancient monuments
located in Burhanpur were not part of Wakf board property. (File Photo)
-----------
The Archeological
Survey of India (ASI) filed a writ petition before the Jabalpur bench of Madhya
Pradesh High court arguing that the CEO MP Waqf Board through an order passed
in 2013 declared these sites as Waqf property and that “once the property in
dispute is already declared as ancient and protected monument under the Ancient
Monuments Preservation Act, 1904, then the same cannot be declared as a Waqf
property.”
Justice
GS Ahluwalia, who passed the final order on July 26, observed the “property in
question is an ancient and protected monument duly notified under the Ancient
Monuments Preservation Act, 1904 and therefore, CEO, M.P. Waqf Board committed
a material illegality by directing the petitioner to vacate the same.”
The ASI
argued that the three contested sites – Shah Shuja monument, Tomb of Nadir Shah
and Bibi Sahiba’s Masjid located at the Fort of Burhanpur are also ancient and
protected monuments.
The Shah
Shuja monument houses the tomb of Begum Bilqis, wife of Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan’s son, Shah Shuja. She was buried in Burhanpur after she died giving
birth to her daughter. The tomb also known as Kharbuza Mahal is “crowned with a
dome.” The site “stands on a raised fluted circular plinth” and “built of stone
and plastered with shell mortar and decorated with paintings.”
The tomb
of Nadir Shah is a “massive tomb, built on a raised platform” and “supported on
eight archways.” The chamber is occupied by three graves. According to Pratna
Samiksha, a journal of archeology published in 2020 “the tomb of Muhammad Shah
Faruqi II (ah 974–84/1566–76 Ce), the tenth Sultan of the Faruqi lineage is
built over a highly raised plinth at the west of the complex. It is mistakenly
marked as the tomb of ‘Nadir Shah’ by ASI but the fact is there is no Nadir
Shah in the Faruqi genealogy.”
Bibi
Saheba’s mosque alias Bibi ki Masjid was completed by queen Begum Rokeya,
daughter of Gujarat Sultan Muẓaffar Shah II, around 1529. Researchers have speculated that during the
15th century, the northern part of Burhanpur was more populous hence the queen
commissioned this mosque.
The ASI
submitted that “as per section 11 of Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904,
Commissioner would be a guardian of the monument and for the purposes of
maintaining such monument shall have access to the monument at all reasonable
times by himself and by his agents, subordinates and workmen, for the purpose
of inspecting the monument…doing such acts as he may consider necessary for the
maintenance.”
The ASI
submitted that “unless and until guardianship is relinquished under Section 14
of Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904, the same cannot be declared as a
waqf property.”
“It is
further submitted that for declaring any property as waqf property, the
property must be existing waqf property on the date of commencement of the Waqf
Act so as to entitle the waqf Board to exercise power under the same. Once the
property has been acquired by Government of India under the Ancient Monuments
Preservation Act, 1904 and has been entered in the register of Ancient
protected monuments long back and Government of India is in absolute ownership
and continuous possession thereof for the last several years, then the said
property cannot be said to be an existing waqf property, therefore Waqf Board
cannot exercise any right over the same,” the ASI lawyer KN Pethia argued.
The
respondents argued, “Since the aforesaid property was declared as a waqf
property, therefore CEO had no option but to direct the petitioner to vacate
the same” and that the order should have first been challenged before the Waqf
Tribunal.
The
court ruled that the “property in question was already declared as an ancient
monument and protected monument under sections 1(1) and 3(1) of Ancient
Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.”
“After
the property is declared as an ancient monument and protected monument, the
same comes under the guardianship of the Commissioner and property can be
released from his guardianship only after following the procedure as laid down
under Section 14 of Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904. There is nothing
on record to show that the Commissioner had ever relinquished his guardianship
over the property in dispute,” the court said.
The
court said that an “erroneous notification issued in respect of property which
is not an existing waqf property on the date of commencement of Waqf Act, would
not make it a waqf property thereby giving jurisdiction to the waqf Board to
seek eviction of the Central Government from ancient and protected monuments.”
The
court said that the Wakf board notification “would not take away the ownership
of Central Government over the property in dispute.”
“Therefore,
even in absence of any challenge to the notification by which property in
dispute was declared as waqf property, this Court is of considered opinion that
it cannot be said that by virtue of notification issued under the Waqf Act, the
property in dispute has become a waqf property,” the court said.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/3-burhanpur-monuments-including-not-waqf-property-madhya-pradesh-hc-9485754/
--------
UK Peer
Accused of Islamophobia for ‘Power of The Womb’ Comments in Debate On
Counter-Terrorism
July 30,
2024
Malcolm
Pearson, whose peerage title is Baron Pearson of Rannoch and is now an
unaffiliated peer, was speaking during a debate on the new Labour government’s
plans to improve counter-terrorism measures at public venues.
(Screenshot/Parliamentlive.tv/File Photo)
--------------
LONDON:
A member of the UK’s House of Lords has been accused of expressing Islamophobic
views after he said Islamist radicals planned to “take us over through the
power of the womb and the ballot box.”
Malcolm
Pearson, whose peerage title is Baron Pearson of Rannoch and is now an
unaffiliated peer, was speaking during a debate on the new Labour government’s
plans to improve counter-terrorism measures at public venues.
“The
Shariah allows Muslim men to have four wives at a time, most of whom are having
at least two children, so the Muslim population is going up 10 times faster
than our national average,” he told the chamber last Thursday.
“On past
trends, Birmingham and nine other English local authorities will be majority
Muslim by 2031. The radicals’ plan is to wait until they can take us over
through the power of the womb and the ballot box,” he added.
His
comments were heavily criticized in the days afterward.
The
Muslim Association of Britain and the Muslim Council of Britain said they will
lodge formal complaints with the House of Lords Commissioners for Standards
over the remarks, The Independent reported on Tuesday.
“Lord
Pearson’s recent comments are outrageous and perpetuate classic Islamophobic
tropes that demonize British Muslim communities. He appears indifferent to the
impact of his words, despite the rise in Islamophobia-related hate crimes,”
Zara Mohammed, MCB secretary general, told the newspaper.
“As a
member of the House of Lords, Lord Pearson should be held accountable for his
conduct. We will be writing to the House of Lords Commissioners for Standards
and hope they investigate and take appropriate action,” she added.
Raghad
Altikriti, chair of MAB, told The Independent that politicians had a duty to
promote unity and respect and not resort to “racist dog whistles and
Islamophobic tropes.”
He
continued: “His comments and behavior fall far short of the expected standards
of a member of the House of Lords, and we hope that the House of Lords
Commissioners for Standards will look into this matter and take decisive action.”
When
pressed by the newspaper to clarify his comments, Pearson said he was simply
being “factual” and quoting a “projection of Office for National Statistics
figures.”
He
added: “Islamists … are quite open about using the ‘power of the womb and the
ballot box’ to help them take over Western civilization; like communists before
the (Berlin) Wall came down, they are a world domination movement.”
A House
of Lords spokesperson confirmed that the House of Lords Commissioners for
Standards would look into any complaint it received to first determine if it
“fell within their remit to investigate.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559596/world
----------
Bangladesh
Set to Ban Jamaat-e-Islami, Top Islamic Party After Deadly Jobs ProtestsThat
Killed 150 People
JUL 31,
2024
The ban
is to be adopted through an executive order on July 31. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
------------
DHAKA -
Bangladesh is set to ban on Wednesday the main Islamic party and its student
wing, which the government blames for violence this month that killed 150
people during student-led protests against reservations in government jobs.
The
move, decried as "unconstitutional and illegal" by the party, the
Jamaat-e-Islami, comes after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina blamed it and the
main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for violence that forced her
to impose curfew.
The ban
is to be adopted through an executive order on Wednesday, Anisul Huq, the
minister for law, justice and parliamentary affairs, told Reuters.
"For
the sake of the country the decision has been made," Huq added.
In a
statement, Jamaat condemned the Awami League-led ruling alliance's decision as
"illegal, extrajudicial and unconstitutional", but did not say how it
would respond.
"Using
state machinery, they are playing a blame game against Jamaat and other
opposition parties," said Shafiqur Rahman, chief of the party, which,
along with the opposition, had denied the government's statement that they
stoked violence.
Jamaat
was effectively banned from contesting elections by a 2013 court decision that
its registration as a political party conflicted with the South Asian nation's
secular constitution.
Bangladesh
shut down the internet and sent the army to enforce a nationwide curfew as the
demonstrations spread after they began in universities and colleges in June.
Thousands
were injured as security forces fired rubber bullets, tear gas and lobbed sound
grenades to disperse tens of thousands of protesters who flooded into the
streets.
The
violence was the biggest test Hasina, 76, has faced since winning a fourth
straight term in elections in January that were boycotted by BNP and also
marred by deadly protests.
She
first led her party to victory in elections in 1996, serving one five-year term
before regaining power in 2009, never to lose again.
Rights
groups and critics say Hasina has become increasingly autocratic during her
last 15 years in power, marked by arrests of political opponents and activists,
forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, charges she denies.
The
United Nations, global rights groups, the United States and Britain criticised
Dhaka's use of force against the demonstrators, asking it to uphold the right
to peaceful protest.
Members
of the Students Against Discrimination group, who had agreed to call off their
agitation after the Supreme Court scrapped most quotas on July 21, said they
would march on Wednesday to protest recent deaths, arrests, and intimidation.
Rights
groups have condemned authorities for arrests of close to 10,000 people over
the past two weeks on charges of involvement in clashes and destroying state
property.
"We
will also demand a United Nations investigation into the violence,"
Mohammad Mahin Sarkar, a co-ordinator of the movement for quota reform, said in
a statement.
In
response, Huq said Dhaka had set up a judicial inquiry to investigate
thoroughly.
Experts
have blamed the unrest on stagnant job growth in the private sector and high
rates of youth unemployment that have made government jobs more attractive at a
time when inflation is running around 10%. REUTERS
Source: straitstimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/bangladesh-set-to-ban-top-islamic-party-after-deadly-jobs-protests
--------
Hamas
Chief Ismail Haniyeh Assassinated in Iran: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards
July 31,
2024
Ismail
Haniyeh was assassinated at his residence in Iran. (Iranian foreign
ministry/AFP)
--------------
RIYADH:
The leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, has been assassinated in Iran, the
Palestinian group said.
Iran’s
state television made the announcement of the killing early on Wednesday.
A statement
by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said that Haniyeh and a security guard had been
ambushed in their place of residence, and an investigation is now underway.
Haniyeh,
who was the head of the political office of Hamas Islamic Resistance, travelled
to Iran for the swearing in ceremony of the reformist president Masoud
Pezeshkian.
The
62-year-old Palestinian leader had earlier met Pezeshkian and Ayatollah Ali
Khamenei.
Sami Abu
Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, said : “This assassination by the Israeli
occupation of Brother Haniyeh is a grave escalation that aims to break the will
of Hamas and the will of our people and achieve fake goals. We confirm that
this escalation will fail to achieve its objectives.”
“Hamas
is a concept and an institution and not persons. Hamas will continue on this
path regardless of the sacrifices and we are confident of victory.”
Mohammed
Ali Al-Houthi, head of Yemen’s Houthis, said: “Targeting Ismail Haniyeh is a
heinous terrorist crime and a flagrant violation of laws and ideal values.”
Israel
has promised to wipe out Hamas after the group conducted a deadly raid into
settlements outside the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and
taking hostages back to the Palestinian enclave.
Israel
soon after launched a devastating military assault in Gaza and has since killed
over 40,000 people, mainly civilians.
Both
sides have been trying to negotiate a hostage release agreement, which would
include a cessation of fighting, with the help of the US and regional
negotiators.
The assassination
comes amid an escalation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah,
which was blamed for an attack on the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights which
killed 12 children on the weekend.
On
Tuesday night, Israel struck a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon, saying
that it had killed Fuad Shukr, head of Hezbollah’s military operations room,
who Israel said was responsible for the attack in the Golan Heights, an
accusation the Lebanese group denies.
Israel,
which has not yet commented on the killing of Haniyeh, has previously carried
out assassinations in Iran on figures key to the Islamic republic’s nuclear
program.
In 2021,
Israel assassinated Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran’s top nuclear scientist.
But
since the war in Gaza, Israel has been carrying out targeted attacks on key
Hamas and IRGC figures, including Saleh Al-Arouri, a leader in the Palestinian
group.
In
April, Iran said its consulate in Damascus was destroyed and a top general
killed in an attack Tehran blamed on Israel.
Iran
soon after launched a barrage of missiles toward Israel, but they were all shot
down. Israel hit back by attacking sites in Isfahan.
Further
escalation between the two sides had been avoided through diplomacy, but Israel
has continued to attack Iranian affiliates in Syria.
The
scale of Israel’s military response to the Hamas attacks has been condemned,
with the International Court of Justice agreeing that there may be a possible
case that the country has engaged in acts of genocide.
Israel
has also been accused of collective punishment and using starvation as a weapon
in the fight against the militant group.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559796/middle-east
--------
Mosques Under
Jakim, Jawi to Hold Funeral Prayers, In The Absence of the Dead, ForHamas
Leader Ismail Haniyeh
Jul 31,
2024
All
mosques under the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) will organise a solat
jenazah ghaib (funeral prayers in the absence of the dead) for Hamas leader
Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran, Iran earlier today.
Minister
in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Mohd Na'im Mokhtar
reportedly has ordered Jakim and the Federal Territories Islamic Affairs
Department (Jawi) to...
Source: malaysiakini.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/713753
--------
India
Gujarat:
Court orders registration of FIRs against villagers behind call for economic
boycott of Muslims
31 July
2024
Ahmedabad:
A year after calls were given for the economic boycott of Muslims following
communal riots, a court in Patan district has ordered registration of an FIR
against the accused villagers for "promoting enmity" between two groups
on the basis o...
Additional
civil judge H P Joshi, Patan civil court, passed an order asking the local
police to register an FIR on the basis of a complaint filed by Makbulhusen
Dilavarbhai Shekh. Shekh had approached the court after local Balisana police
refused to ...
Last
year on July 16, communal riots had broken out in Balisana village in Patan
district allegedly over a religious post on Instagram. Following the riots,
Shekh has stated in the complaint that some of the villagers created a video clip
calling for...
Shekh
submitted the clip in court as evidence when he filed the complaint after local
police, including the office of the superintendent, didn't register FIR against
the accused.
Shekh
has named Rakesh Patel, Jayanti Patel, Anil Patel, Dipak Patel, Rohit
Chenawala, Dhruv Patel and others as those behind the boycott call. When the
court sought a report from Balisana police station, the latter filed a report
asking for closure ...
The
police report claimed, as quoted in the order passed on July 26, that although
the call was given to remove Muslims from Hindu-owned shops, "no one was
forced to do so, no one was beaten up or abused, or (asked to) keep enmity with
Muslim communi...
However,
the complainant stated that many Muslims had lost their livelihood and shops
following the boycott calls. Based on the complainant's submission, including
statements of witnesses, the court held that "prima facie, it seems, as
shown in the v...
The
court order also says that many Muslims who were running shops owned by Hindus
for many years had to vacate following the boycott calls. Allowing the
complaint, the court ordered the police sub inspector of Balisana to file an
FIR and take approp...
Source: deccanherald.com
Please click the following URL to read the
text of the original Story
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/gujarat/gujarat-court-orders-registration-of-firs-against-villagers-behind-call-for-economic-boycott-of-muslims-3130054
---------
BJP
leader NV Subhash asks Telangana government to implement Love Jihad bill
Jul 31,
2024
Speaking
to ANI, NV Subhash (/topic/nv-subhash) said that the Revanth Reddy
(/topic/revanth-reddy) government should implement the Love Jihad bill in the
state along with the neighbouring states. He further said that illegal
Rohingyas (/topic/rohingyas) and Bangladeshis are influxing into Hyderabad,
which is changing the image of the system.
"The
introduction of Uttar Pradesh (/topic/uttar-pradesh)'s Prohibition of Unlawful
Religious Conversion Bill, which was adopted by CM Yogi Adiyanath in February
2021, is now giving good results in Uttar Pradesh (/topic/uttar-pradesh). The
amendment to this bill will be introduced in the UP Assembly and will have a
strict punishment. It's an important and bold step to stop the forcible
conversion and to stop the demographic change in the population," he
said.
"There
have been illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi influx into Hyderabad and Telangana,
which is changing the image of the system. These people come here and get
married to the Hindu tribal and SC ST girls and then leave them and go back to
their native countries, because of which the girls suffer. If this continues,
the number of Hindu girls will decrease in the country," he said.
Further
talking about the bill, he said, "The bill addresses the most important
aspect of the attack on innocent Hindu Tribal, SC ST girls who are falling prey
to external radical Islamists, who have one point of agenda, which is to
destroy the Hindu unit of family and impose the Islamic agenda of GAZWA-E-
HIND, which is being taught in many of the illegally funded madrasas in the
bordering areas of Uttar Pradesh (/topic/uttar-pradesh).
He
added, "In Telangana, many Love Jihad cases were reported recently and
this bill has to be replicated in all states to save Hindu girls for future
generations. This bill will be an honour and dignity for women." (ANI
Source: aninews.in
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/bjp-leader-nv-subhash-asks-telangana-government-to-implement-love-jihad-bill20240731084740/
--------
Farooq
Abdullah fears Pakistan 'attack' amid surge in militancy in Jammu and Kashmir
31.07.24
National
Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday saw war clouds gathering in the
region following a “commandos-driven” surge in militant attacks in Jammu and
Kashmir, betraying worries as weeks-long operations to hunt down the
infiltrators involved in the attacks have yielded no results.
The
former chief minister suggested that there might be some validity to claims
that Pakistani commandos had sneaked into the Union Territory and were
contributing to the rise in violence.
Farooq
said it was sad that while people aspire for peace between the two nations, an
attack appeared imminent.
He said:
“Instead of peace, there could be an attack. That is what we fear. If it
(militant attacks) continues, there will be a time when India will not tolerate
this. People of India will want the government to take some steps so that
terrorism stops.”
“There
is no doubt that terrorism is growing and highly trained people are coming. We
pray to God that we will be saved from this calamity. We want them (Pakistan)
to come to their senses. This will not solve problems but further deteriorate
the situation,” he said.
Asked
about the possible infiltration of Pakistani commandos, Farooq said: “It could
be they are commandos, the way they are attacking. They seem to be highly
trained. That is why we see a big danger.”
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/farooq-abdullah-fears-pakistan-attack-amid-surge-in-militancy-in-jammu-and-kashmir/cid/2037466
--------
Gadkari
attends swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s President
The MEA
said both sides underscored that Chabahar Port would contribute to
strengthening bilateral and regional trade.
July 31,
2024
Nitin
Gadkari, Gadkari attends swearing-in ceremony,mIran’s President, Narendra Modi,
Indian express newsNitin Gadkari
Road
Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari attended the inauguration of
Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian at a ceremony Tuesday in Tehran.
On the
occasion, Gadkari conveyed good wishes from PM Narendra Modi to President
Pezeshkian on assuming the office, the MEA said.
“During
Minister Nitin Gadkari’s interactions in Iran, both sides positively assessed
the state of bilateral relations, including cooperation on the development of
Chabahar Port,” it said.
The MEA
said both sides underscored that Chabahar Port would contribute to
strengthening bilateral and regional trade.
“It
would provide access to landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries to
regional and global markets,” it said in a statement.
Earlier
this month, the elections in Iran took place more than a month after hardliner
President Ebrahim Raisi died in a chopper crash in May this year. PM Narendra
Modi had congratulated newly-elected Iran President.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gadkari-attends-swearing-in-ceremony-of-irans-president-9485735/
--------
Europe
Rioting
erupts outside UK mosque after police rule out terrorism in horrendous, lethal
knife attack on girls at dance class
JULY 30,
2024
Dozens
of outraged protesters rioted outside of a mosque at a seaside city after U.K.
police said there was so far no evidence of terrorism in a horrific knife
attack on young girls attending a dance class.
Witnesses
said that children were running out of the dance studio covered in blood during
the attack by a 17-year-old male who was wearing a hood. Two children were
initially declared dead while a third died a day later. About a dozen were
injured.
Police
apprehended the suspected attacker but have said there is no evidence yet that
he was motivated by terrorism. Authorities and media reports said the teenager
was born in Cardiff to Rwandan immigrants. Investigators are reviewing content
from the suspect's devices to try to understand his motivation.
Some
accused authorities of trying to cover up the attacker's identity and
motivation before a large crowd assembled outside of a mosque in town.
Police
tried to control the crowd, but they torched a police vehicle and threw objects
at the officers, one of who suffered a broken nose.
“It is
sickening to see this happening within a community that has been devastated by
the tragic loss of three young lives," said Assistant Chief Constable Alex
Goss in a statement. “Yesterday, our officers and other members of the
emergency services were faced with one of the most difficult situations they
will ever face. Tonight, they find themselves being attacked as they endeavor
to prevent disorder.
Neighbors
who were familiar with the suspect's family described them as "nice"
and said they were shocked about the attack.
A
79-year-old man named Chico Mbakwe who trained the suspect in karate as a child
remembered him as normal in comments to the Guardian.
“He was
a good child, a normal child, who had lots of energy," said Mbakwe. “I
remember him because he continued to train with us for around three months
after his father left for another dojo I own.”
He went
on to say he was worried about his grandchildren over the recent rise in knife
crime.
“The dad
was just a pleasant, normal guy, and the son was just a normal
five-year-old," he added.
Source: theblaze.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.theblaze.com/news/riot-mosque-southport-attack-motive
--------
Muslim
Council of Britain Calls On Government to End ‘Forces of Hatred’ After
Southport Riot
31-07-24
The
Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) says it will “stand firm” against “forces of
hatred and division” in the wake of a riot outside a Southport mosque.
Merseyside
Police said “a large group of people – believed to be supporters of the English
Defence League” – began to throw items towards the mosque at around 7.45pm on
Tuesday.
Officers
put on helmets and riot gear after stones and bottles were launched at them and
police vehicles were damaged and set on fire.
North
West Ambulance Service said 39 people were treated, “all of which were police
officers”.
“27 were
taken to hospital and 12 were treated and discharged at scene”, a statement on
X said.
Merseyside
Police said eight officers suffered serious injuries including fractures,
lacerations, a suspected broken nose and concussion.
Other
officers have suffered varying degrees of injury including head injuries,
serious facial injuries, and one was knocked unconscious.
The Muslim
Council of Britain (MCB) paid tribute to the three young girls killed in
Southport on Monday, before condemning “shocking scenes of far-right rioters
running amok outside a mosque”.
The MCB
says Islamophobic backlash began with a false rumour on the internet which was
then stoked by misinformation from a Russian news site, which wrongfully
associated the crime with Muslims.
MCB
secretary-general Zara Mohammed said: “At a time of great tragedy, loss, and
mourning, we must stand firm against the cynical forces of hatred and division.
This does not represent our diverse Britain and the people of Southport.
“The
Government must address the increasing rise of violent far-right extremism
targeting Muslim communities. More must be done to tackle Islamophobia and
offer reassurance at this time.”
She
added: “We commend the authorities for their swift action, and our prayers are
with the mosque, the families of the victims of yesterday’s attack, and the
local community.”
The MCB
said Monday’s tragedy, in which Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and
Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were all fatally stabbed and another eight children
were injured, has been exploited to spark outrage.
The
national representative Muslim umbrella body called on the Government to act, connecting
Tuesday’s riots with a march through the streets of London made up of Tommy
Robinson supporters.
The MCB
said the crowds were “openly spewing invective against Muslim communities”.
Robinson,
whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has since left the country after
committing “flagrant” contempt of court relating to a film played at the
protest in central London, the High Court was told on Monday.
Monday’s
attack in Southport saw Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie
Dot Stancombe, seven, fatally stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club.
Eight
other children were also stabbed, with five children and two adults left in a
critical condition.
A
17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody
accused of murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance
studio in Hart Street.
Source: belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/muslim-group-calls-on-government-to-end-forces-of-hatred-after-southport-riot/a501115080.html
---------
UN
Report: Palestinian Detainees Taken by
Israeli Authorities Faced Torture and Mistreatment
July 31,
2024
GENEVA:
The UN human rights office has issued a report Wednesday saying Palestinian
detainees taken by Israeli authorities since the Oct. 7 attacks in Gaza have
faced waterboarding, sleep deprivation, electric shocks and other torture and
mistreatment.
The
report on detention in the wake of the deadly Hamas-led militant attacks and
hostage-takings in Israel says that Israel’s prison service held more than
9,400 “security detainees” as of the end of June, and some have been held in
secret without access to lawyers or respect for their legal rights.
A
summary of the report, based on interviews with former detainees and other
sources, decries a “staggering” number of detainees — including men, women,
children, journalists and human rights defenders — and said such practices
raise concerns about arbitrary detention.
“The
testimonies gathered by my office and other entities indicate a range of
appalling acts, such as waterboarding and the release of dogs on detainees,
among other acts, in flagrant violation of international human rights law and
international humanitarian law,” said UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk in a
statement.
Findings
in the report, one of the most extensive of its kind, could be used by
International Criminal Court prosecutors who are looking into crimes committed
in connection with the Oct. 7 attacks and its aftermath, including Israel’s
blistering military campaign that is ongoing in Gaza.
Authors
of the report said its content was shared with the Israeli government. The
Associated Press has contacted the Israeli diplomatic mission for comment.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559861/middle-east
--------
British
police, protesters clash outside mosque following vigil for slain girls
July 30
(UPI) -- Dozens of police officers were injured Tuesday night as law
enforcement and protesters clashed in Southport where a vigil was held hours
earlier for three children killed and several injured during Monday's knife
attack that has the British seaside town in mourning.
Thirty-nine
police officers were treated for injuries sustained in the violence, including
27 who were taken to the hospital, North West Ambulance Service said in a
statement early Wednesday.
Authorities
said the violence began at about 7:45 p.m. local time Tuesday when a large
group of people, police suspect are supporters of the English Defense League,
began pelting a local mosque.
The
English Defense League is a far-right, anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant group
that sees itself as a Christian army, according to the U.S.-based
Anti-Defamation League.
Protesters
set cars ablaze, threw bricks at the mosque and damaged a convenience store,
Merseyside Police said.
Bricks
stolen from garden walls were used to attack police, according to authorities.
Uncorroborated
video clips of the violence posted online shows protesters, mostly men,
throwing objects at police and the mosque. Some protesters are heard spouting
Islamophobic chants.
At least
eight officers suffered serious injuries, fractures, lacerations and concussion.
At least one was knocked unconscious, Merseyside Police said.
Three
police dogs were also injured, one sustaining leg injuries from thrown bricks
and another suffering burns to its back legs.
The
disorder prompted authorities to issue a 24-hour Section 60 Order, which gives
officers enhanced stop and search powers in the designated area.
The
cause of the revolt was not entirely clear, but Assistant Chief Constable Alex
Goss suggested in a statement that it was in connection to "speculation
and hypothesis" surrounding the 17-year-old boy police arrested on
suspicion of being responsible for Monday's knife attack.
The
three children stabbed to death in Southport a day prior while attending a
Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop have been identified as 9-year-old Alice
Aguiar, 7-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and 6-year-old Bebe King. Five other
children and two adults were also critically injured in the attack.
Police
arrested the 17-year-old from Lancashire, Britain, who has been charged with
suspicion of murder and attempted murder charges.
Goss
reiterated Tuesday: "We have already said that the person arrested was
born in the U.K. and speculation helps nobody at this time."
He added
that many of those involved in the Tuesday violence do not live in the area "or
care about the people of Merseyside."
"Tonight,
Merseyside Police has faced serious violence in Southport," Goss said in
an early Wednesday update.
"This
is no way to treat a community, least of all a community that is still reeling
from the events of Monday."
The
violence erupted after a vigil was held in the town for the children that was
attended by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Prime Minister Keir Starmer who
lay flowers during the ceremony.
Starmer
accused the protesters of having "hijacked" the vigil "with
violence and thuggery" that insults the community in grieving.
"The
people of Southport are reeling after the horror inflicted on them yesterday.
They deserve our support and respect," he said in a statement, vowing that
those responsible for the violence that followed the vigil "will feel the
full force of the law."
Source: upi.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2024/07/30/4281722391974/
--------
Starmer
says Southport rioters will ‘feel full force of the law’
July 30,
2024
Sir Keir
Starmer has said anyone involved in the violent disorder in Southport on
Tuesday night will “feel the full force of the law” after protesters set cars
alight and damaged buildings.
Protesters
chanting slogans such as “English until I die” clashed with police as they
targeted a local mosque following a knife attack that killed three children
attending a dance class in the town.
“Those
who have hijacked the vigil for the victims with violence and thuggery have
insulted the community as it grieves,” the Prime Minister said.
Some 39
police officers sustained injuries at the scene, with 27 taken to hospital,
North West Ambulance Service said.
Merseyside
Police said eight officers suffered serious injuries including fractures,
lacerations, a suspected broken nose, and a concussion.
Three
police dogs were also injured.
“The
people involved have also set cars belonging to members of the public alight,
thrown bricks at the local mosque and damaged a local convenience store, and
set wheelie bins were set on fire,” the force added.
Alice
Dasilva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, were all
fatally stabbed in the Merseyside town on Monday while attending a Taylor Swift
themed dance class.
Eight
other children suffered stab wounds, with five in a critical condition
alongside two adults that were also critically injured, according to police.
Hundreds
of people attended an emotional vigil on Tuesday evening in Southport, with many
in tears as they laid flowers and cards of remembrance for those killed in the
attack.
Merseyside
Police said that a large crowd “believed to be supporters of the English
Defence League” threw items towards the mosque at around 7.45pm.
Officers
were forced to wear helmets and riot gear after stones and bottles were hauled
at them, while police vehicles were damaged and set on fire.
The
Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) paid tribute to the three young girls killed
before condemning “shocking scenes of far-right rioters running amok outside a
mosque”.
The MCB
says Islamaphobic backlash began with a false rumour on the internet which was
then stoked by misinformation from a Russian news site.
A
17-year-old boy from Banks, a village in nearby West Lancashire, has been
arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Police have said they are
not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack.
Police
have not confirmed his identity due to his age but have said he was born in the
UK.
“There
has been much speculation and hypothesis around the status of a 17-year-old
male who is currently in police custody and some individuals are using this to
bring violence and disorder to our streets,” said Merseyside Police assistant
chief constable Alex Goss.
“We have
already said that the person arrested was born in the UK and speculation helps
nobody at this time.”
Merseyside
Police said a 32-year-old man from Standish was arrested on suspicion of
possession of a bladed article.
The
force has appealed for anyone with information of those involved in the
disorder to come forward.
Assistant
Chief Constable Alex Goss said: “Sadly, offenders have destroyed garden walls
so they could use the bricks to attack our officers and have set cars belonging
to the public on fire, and damaged cars parked in the mosque car park.
“This is
no way to treat a community, least of all a community that is still reeling
from the events of Monday.
“We
would appeal to anyone who has information or video footage of those involved in
this shocking behaviour to come forward so we can identify and arrest those
responsible.”
Home
secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the “thuggery” and violent clashes in
Southport, urging everyone to “show some respect for the community that is
grieving”.
She
said: “I think everyone should be showing some respect for the community that
is grieving and also for the police who are pursuing an urgent criminal
investigation now, and who showed such heroism and bravery yesterday in the
face of these horrific attacks.
“I think
everyone needs to support the police in that work, and frankly the scenes of
thuggery that we have seen on the streets of Southport this evening bear no
relation to the way in which the Southport community has been coming together
to support each other and to support grieving families.
“We need
to see some respect for the grieving community and for the police in their
urgent work.”
A
24-hour Section 60 Order was introduced, running from 19.54pm, and extra
officers will remain in the area to provide a visible presence to reassure
communities.
The
order gives officers enhanced stop and search powers to stop individuals in the
area and is designed to minimise serious violence, the force said.
Source: inews.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://inews.co.uk/news/appalling-violence-erupts-outside-southport-mosque-after-three-girls-killed-3199590?ITO=newsnow
--------
West
using energy supplies to blackmail opponents – Moscow
30 Jul,
2024
The West
is using energy supplies to blackmail countries that oppose its policies,
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday.
She was
referring to Brussels’ reluctance to support its member states Hungary and
Slovakia in an impasse over disrupted oil flows through Ukraine.
Kiev
stopped the transit of crude from major Russian supplier Lukoil via the Druzhba
pipeline earlier this month, citing sanctions on the energy major, thus
depriving the two countries of oil that meets up to 40% of their needs.
In
response to the move, Budapest and Bratislava jointly initiated consultations
with the bloc and asked the EU to mediate in the dispute. However, Brussels
stalled the request, claiming it needed time to “gather evidence and assess the
legal situation.”
The EU’s
reluctance to interfere comes as no surprise to Russia, as Hungary and Slovakia
are the only EU member states that have opposed the bloc’s policy of providing
military aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Moscow.
“The
West is using energy resources as an instrument not just of a political battle
but of direct pressure and blackmail against countries and nations,” Zakharova
told Izvestia.
Landlocked
Slovakia and Hungary were granted exemptions from an EU-wide ban on Russian oil
supplies in 2022 to ensure their energy security. They are the only EU member
states that have opposed the bloc’s policy of providing military aid to Ukraine
and have repeatedly called for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
“One of
the tasks set by the so-called collective West, particularly by Washington and
London, to the Kiev regime and for which they paid quite well, was to turn
Russia’s energy cooperation with the Western European countries into an endless
zone of turbulence,” Zakharova said.
Slovakian
Prime Minister Robert Fico warned on Monday that Bratislava would halt diesel
supplies to Ukraine if Kiev doesn’t resume the transit of Russian oil via its
territory, noting that Slovak deliveries account for one-tenth of Ukraine’s
diesel consumption.
Kiev
imposed sanctions on Lukoil, Russia’s second-largest oil company, in June,
freezing its assets and placing restrictions on trade operations.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/601822-west-energy-supplies-blackmail-zakharova/
--------
South Asia
Islamic
Emirate Officials Strengthen Ties with Iran, Pledge Support for Afghan Traders
2024-07-30
KABUL(BNA):
Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs of the Islamic
Emirate of Afghanistan, emphasized the importance of positive relations with
Islamic countries during his official visit to Iran.
During
the visit, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir met with Afghan businessmen, diplomats, and
Mawlawi Fazl Mohammad Haqqani, the Acting Ambassador of Islamic Emirate in
Tehran.
The
meeting focused on enhancing political and economic ties with neighboring
countries and addressing the issues faced by Afghans and traders in Iran.
Mawlawi
Fazl Mohammad Haqqani highlighted the strong relations with Iranian officials
and efforts to expand ties in line with the Islamic Emirate’s policies.
Additionally,
Afghan traders praised the Islamic Emirate’s economic policies and the secure
environment in Afghanistan, which have facilitated increased trade and
investment.
For his
part, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir assured that the Islamic Emirate is committed to
achieving self-sufficiency and solving problems faced by Afghans both
domestically and abroad.
Deputy
PM encouraged Afghan businessmen to invest in Afghanistan, citing improved
security and a favorable investment environment. He also noted the Islamic
Emirate’s growing regional and international political presence and plans to
establish formal diplomatic relations with more countries soon.
As the
meeting concluded, Deputy PM Mawlawi Abdul Kabir directed Mawlawi Fazl Mohammad
Haqqani to take necessary actions to address the issues of Afghan traders, and
migrants in Iran.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-officials-strengthen-ties-with-iran-pledge-support-for-afghan-traders/
--------
Afghanistan
Embassies in London and Brussels continue consular services
July 31,
2024
Zalmai
Rasoul, the Afghanistan Ambassador to London, has responded to the suspension
of consular activities by some Afghan consulates in European countries, stating
that the Afghan consulate in the United Kingdom will continue its operations
without interruption.
In a statement
released on Tuesday, July 30th, he affirmed the embassy’s commitment to
supporting the rights and interests of Afghan citizens abroad.
Ambassador
Rasoul emphasized that “the Afghanistan Embassy in London firmly declares that
all consular and diplomatic services will continue without any disruption.” He
added that “we are committed to supporting the rights and interests of Afghan
citizens abroad and will utilize all our resources and facilities to provide
the best possible services.”
Yesterday,
the Taliban Foreign Ministry announced that the activities of 14 Afghanistan
diplomatic and consular missions in European countries, which operate without
coordination with the ministry, were deemed “unauthorized and a clear violation
of accepted principles.”
The
ministry’s statement indicated that the Afghanistan missions in London,
Belgium, Berlin, Bonn, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Greece, Poland,
Sweden, Norway, Canada, and Australia were considered invalid due to their
refusal to cooperate and coordinate with the ministry.
In
response, Nazifullah Salarzi, the Afghanistan Ambassador to Belgium, has
confirmed that consular services at all Afghanistan consular missions in
Belgium and the European Union will continue. He asserted that the Afghanistan
Embassy in Belgium remains recognized by the host country.
The
conflicting statements from Afghanistan’s diplomatic representatives highlight
ongoing issues within Afghanistan’s foreign service operations. Despite the
Taliban administration’s decision to invalidate certain consular activities,
key representatives, such as those in London and Brussels, maintain their
commitment to uninterrupted service.
This
comes amid the fact that no countries currently recognize the Taliban regime in
Afghanistan as a legitimate government.
The
resolution of these discrepancies will be crucial in ensuring the effective
representation and support of Afghanistan citizens abroad.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-embassies-in-london-and-brussels-continue-consular-services/
--------
UNAMA
Report: Arbitrary detentions, torture, and killings of former security forces
in Afghanistan
July 31,
2024
In its
latest report, UNAMA revealed that from April to June 2024, it documented at
least 60 cases of arbitrary detention, 10 cases of torture and mistreatment,
and five cases of killings involving former government officials and former
Afghanistan security forces members.
The
report specifies that among these killings, unidentified individuals carried
out four, and one was attributed to the Taliban.
According
to UNAMA, during this period, eight armed attacks and separate clashes resulted
in 16 civilian deaths and 27 injuries.
Some of
these attacks were attributed to the Islamic State’s Khorasan branch targeting
Shia communities, with incidents occurring in
Kabul, Herat, Bamyan, Kandahar, and Badakhshan.
The
report notes that there were four instances of shootings and armed assaults
linked to ISIS, while four clashes in Badakhshan were reportedly conducted by
the Taliban. The Taliban reportedly conducted four clashes in Badakhshan
UNAMA’s
report addresses ongoing restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women and
girls, including limitations on their rights, reduced salaries for female civil
servants, and restrictions on movement and employment.
The
report highlights that the Taliban has ordered the suspension of three media
outlets and has detained four journalists in Parwan and Khost for broadcasting
music and collaborating with media organizations.
The
report details the continued use of public corporal punishment by the Taliban,
with 63 individuals whipped in Sar-e Pol and at least 179 people, including 147
men, 28 women, and four boys, subjected to physical punishment.
Border
conflicts with Pakistani forces have resulted in 25 civilian casualties in
Paktia and Khost provinces, continuing to affect the local population.
The
UNAMA report underscores a troubling period of human rights violations and security
challenges in Afghanistan.
The
ongoing restrictions on freedoms, violence, and the continued use of corporal
punishment reflect a deteriorating situation for civilians and raise
significant concerns about the Taliban’s governance and its impact on the
people of Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/unama-report-arbitrary-detentions-torture-and-killings-of-former-security-forces-in-afghanistan/
---------
MoFA’s notice
for Afghan nationals residing in European countries
July 31,
2024
The
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan consistently strives to defend the legitimate
rights of Afghan nationals residing abroad, particularly in European countries,
and provide them with easy consular services. Meanwhile, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs has repeatedly urged the Afghan political and consular missions
in European countries to engage with Kabul to at least address consular
servicesrelated issues of Afghans and provide better services for Afghan
citizens. Unfortunately, the actions of most of the missions are carried out
arbitrarily, without coordination and in explicit violation of the existing
accepted principles. Therefore, IEA-MoFA informs all Afghan nationals residing
abroad that following this notice, the consular services such as deeds,
endorsements, NOCs, issuing passports, passport renewal stickers, visa
stickers, etc., from the missions in London, Belgium, Berlin, Bonn, Swiss,
Austria, France, Italy, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Canada and Australia
are no longer accepted by MoFA and relevant departments, and the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs bears no responsibility toward these documents and no actions
will be taken thereof. All Afghans living abroad and foreign nationals can
visit the IEA political and consular missions in other countries, other than
the abovementioned missions, to access consular services.
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/mofas-notice-for-afghan-nationals-residing-in-european-countries/
--------
UN says
86 percent of Gaza now under Israeli evacuation orders
July 31,
2024
The
United Nations says 86 percent of the besieged Gaza Strip is now under Israeli
evacuation orders as 33 more Palestinians are killed in yet another day of
attacks and displacement. Thousands of Palestinians fled the Bureij and
Nuseirat refugee camps in central Gaza on Monday after the Israeli army issued
new evacuation orders. “We have been displaced from the north. They told us:
‘Leave to central Gaza, then to Rafah.’ We went to Rafah, then went back up to
Nuseirat. We got stuck. Then we received instructions to move farther south
towards al-Mawasi,” Mohammed Naserallah, a displaced Palestinian, told Al
Jazeera. “Our life is in pieces. We have nothing, no one but God.” Philippe
Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said 86
percent of the besieged enclave is under evacuation orders issued by the
Israeli military. Kahder Baroud, a blind Palestinian man wearing black
sunglasses, said he received a call from the Israeli army to leave his house in
Nuseirat on Sunday. “We are already struggling with our situation because my
daughters and sons are also blind. … We live in fear, in frightening
circumstances. We left home today [Monday], but we don’t know where we can go
now,” he said. Reporting from Deir el-Balah, also in central Gaza, Al Jazeera’s
Hani Mahmoud said recurrent mass displacements have become the norm with the Israeli
military. “The majority of the displaced population is flowing to the Deir
el-Balah city that is already packed with displaced families and has no
sufficient space or resources to accommodate people,” he said. “The attacks on
schools in the past two days have shattered any sense of safety left for people
staying in evacuation centres and has pushed people into further internal
enforced displacement. There is literally no safe place in Gaza,” he said.
Meanwhile, at least three people were killed and others wounded when the
Israeli army again bombarded al-Mawasi, an area in southern Gaza previously
declared a “safe zone” by Israel. Officials in Gaza said 33 Palestinians were
killed across the enclave on Monday while the overall deaths since October were
reported at 39,363 with more than 90,000 others wounded. An estimated 1,139
people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7 and more
than 200 were taken captive. Aljazeera
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/un-says-86-percent-of-gaza-now-under-israeli-evacuation-orders/
--------
Mideast
Islamic
Jihad vows continued resistance after assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh
31 Jul
2024
GAZA
July 30. 2024 (Saba) - The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine has mourned the
loss of the prominent national leader and head of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, who
was assassinated in a Zionist bombing in Tehran early Wednesday morning.
In a
statement, Islamic Jihad emphasized that this act of assassination will not
deter the Palestinian people from continuing their resistance against Zionist
aggression.
The
movement extended condolences to Hamas, Haniyeh's family, and his supporters,
affirming solidarity with Hamas in their struggle.
The
Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced Haniyeh's death, which occurred during
his visit to Tehran for the inauguration of Iran's new president, Masoud
Pezeshkian.
Haniyeh
had also met with Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei.
Hamas
mourned Haniyeh's loss, describing him as a dedicated leader and martyr who
fell victim to a treacherous Zionist raid, underscoring the continuous threat
and resistance faced by Palestinian leaders.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3354316.htm
--------
Islamic
Resistance confronts Zionist fighters violated Lebanese airspace
30 Jul
2024
BEIRUT
July 30. 2024 (Saba) - The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, led by Hezbollah,
announced today, Tuesday, that it confronted Zionist warplanes that violated
Lebanese airspace, and forced them to retreat.
The
Islamic Resistance said in a statement, "In support of our steadfast
Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant and honorable
resistance, the air defense unit in the Islamic Resistance confronted today,
Tuesday, the hostile Zionist warplanes that violated the sound barrier over
Lebanese airspace, and forced them to retreat behind the borders inside
occupied Palestine."
In another
statement, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon said, "In support of our
steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant
and honorable resistance, and in response to the Zionist enemy's attack that
targeted the town of Jebshit and led to civilian casualties, our mujahideen
today bombed the headquarters of the Al-Sahl Battalion in the Beit Hillel
barracks with a salvo of Katyusha rockets."
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3354258.htm
--------
Leader
praises Palestinian Resistance as the foremost defender of Islam
July 30,
2024
TEHRAN –
During a significant meeting on Tuesday, Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah
Seyyed Ali Khamenei, asserted that the Palestinian people and those residing in
the Gaza Strip currently uphold “the highest flag of Islam” globally.
This
statement was made in the presence of key figures in the Palestinian resistance
movement, Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of Hamas, and Ziyad
al-Nakhalah, the Secretary General of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Ayatollah
Khamenei emphasized the critical role of Palestinian Resistance in advancing
Islam's cause. “Today, the highest flag of Islam is in the hands of the Palestinian
nation and the people of Gaza,” he declared. He credited the ongoing Resistance
efforts for creating opportunities to further promote Islamic values and
principles.
Highlighting
the widespread support for Islam, Ayatollah Khamenei noted, “The increasing
trend toward Islam at the current juncture shows the glory and grandeur of the
resistance of the Palestinian nation and the people of Gaza.” He commended the
people of Gaza and the West Bank as the driving force behind this resurgence,
expressing hope for continued divine support for the Palestinians and their
Resistance forces.
Ismail
Haniyeh, representing Hamas, expressed gratitude towards Iran for its
unwavering support of Palestine and the Resistance movement.
He
underscored the critical phase of their struggle, noting, “The Palestinian
people and Resistance fighters must establish their heroism and victory against
Israel as the regime’s genocidal war on Gaza has reached a critical and
historical stage after 300 days.”
Leader
highlights importance of strengthening ties with Tajikistan
On
Tuesday, Ayatollah Khamenei met with Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon and
his delegation, emphasizing the importance of bolstering relations with
regional countries, particularly those sharing linguistic, cultural,
historical, and religious ties with Iran.
During
the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei reaffirmed Iran's commitment to enhancing
cooperation with Tajikistan across various sectors. "The Islamic Republic
of Iran remains committed to sincere collaboration with Tajikistan, as it has
always been," he declared.
The
Leader of Islamic Revolution expressed appreciation for President Rahmon's
visit to Tehran to attend President Masoud Pezeshkian's swearing-in ceremony.
He emphasized that such high-level visits lay the groundwork for increased
bilateral cooperation.
Concluding
the meeting, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution acknowledged that efforts to
expand Iran-Tajikistan relations face opposition, stressing the need for a
strategic approach to overcome these challenges effectively.
Leader
reaffirms Iran's support for Armenia’s territorial integrity
During a
meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his delegation on
Tuesday, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the importance of preserving Armenia's
territorial integrity, declaring that Iran views the Zangezur corridor as
detrimental to Armenia and remains steadfast in this position.
Ayatollah
Khamenei underscored Iran’s commitment to strengthening relations with its
neighbors, particularly Armenia. "We are truly committed to developing
relations with Armenia, and the cooperation between the two countries, based on
mutual interests and without considering the policies of others, will continue
strongly," he stated.
The
Supreme Leader expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Pashinyan's
attendance at President Masoud Pezeshkian's inauguration ceremony and the
funeral of Martyr Raisi. He reiterated Iran's support for Armenia’s territorial
integrity and opposition to the Zangezur corridor.
Ayatollah
Khamenei highlighted the need for countries to rely on themselves and their
close neighbors for security and prosperity, rather than external powers.
"The security and interests of countries are ensured by relying on
themselves and their close neighbors, and the actions of those who interfere
from afar ultimately harm them," he remarked.
The
Leader also noted the strong ties between the Iranian people and the Armenian
community in Iran, acknowledging their significant contributions during the
Iran-Iraq War. "I have personally visited the homes of many
Armenians," he added.
Ayatollah
Khamenei affirmed the respect Muslims have for Jesus Christ (PBUH) and
condemned any insults to religious figures, including Jesus Christ (PBUH).
Prime
Minister Pashinyan, joined by First Vice President Aref, expressed satisfaction
with the growing relations between Iran and Armenia. He described his
discussions with President Pezeshkian as constructive and positive, reiterating
that Armenia has consistently rejected any extraterritorial corridors within
its borders.
Pashinyan
characterized the relationship between Iran and Armenia as strategic,
expressing delight at the expanding and diversifying ties and underscoring the
importance of continuing this trend.
Continuing
his meetings, Ayatollah Khamenei also met with Sheikh Naim Qassem, Deputy
Secretary General of Lebanon's Hezbollah, Mohammad Abdul Salam, the Ansarallah
spokesman, and Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani on Tuesday
afternoon.
Source: tehrantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/501750/Hamas-and-Islamic-Jihad-chiefs-hold-talks-with-Leader
--------
'Expansion
of Iran-UAE interaction to benefit Islamic ummah'
Jul 30,
2024
TEHRAN,
Jul. 30 (MNA) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says that the expansion of
the interactions between the Islamic Republic and the United Arab Emirates
would benefit the Islamic ummah.
Pezeshkian
made the remarks in a meeting with the visiting Foreign Minister of the United
Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on Tuesday.
During
the meeting, the Iranian president expressed hope that the relations and
cooperation between the two countries will further expand in the future.
Saying
that deepening and strengthening relations with neighbors is the priority of
the foreign policy of his government, Pezeshkian said that Islamic countries
and nations are brothers and if they unite, the Zionist regime will not be able
to commit such terrible crimes against the oppressed people of Palestine.
He
expressed hope that the expansion of interactions between Tehran and Abu Dhabu
would lead to real unity and cohesion between Islamic countries.
The top
Emirati diplomat, for his part, said that the government and people of the UAE
have a deep and abundant interest in Iran and the Iranian people.
"We
believe that it is a good chance that we are together and have good relations
with each other, and I hope that we can make the best use of the available
opportunities to provide mutual benefits."
Wishing
Pezeshkian success on his mission, he said that the UAE would always welcome
any thoughts and ideas to develop relations between the two countries in all
fields and at all levels.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/218676/Expansion-of-Iran-UAE-interaction-to-benefit-Islamic-ummah
---------
Southeast Asia
PAS:
Harder to solve Middle East conflict as Palestine-Gaza crisis set to widen now
from Haniyeh’s killing
31 Jul
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR, July 31 — Following the assassination of the Hamas political chief
Ismail Haniyeh, Islamist party PAS today warned that this may lead to worsening
crisis in the Middle East.
Its
secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan suggested that the killing was linked
to recent moves that have put Israel in a less advantageous position.
“With
this latest development, it is highly likely that the ongoing conflict will
spread more widely throughout the involved region, and all efforts towards its
resolution will face difficulties.
“The
Zionist regime of Israel must be held accountable for the entire series of
atrocities that are destroying world peace,” he said.
Earlier,
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said that Ismail was killed in Tehran along with
one of his bodyguards.
Hamas
has said that an Israeli strike was responsible for Ismail’s death.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/07/31/pas-harder-to-solve-middle-east-conflict-as-palestine-gaza-crisis-set-to-widen-now-from-haniyehs-killing/145582
--------
Former
VP Jusuf Kalla Pays Tribute to Ismail Haniyeh, Calls for Peace in Palestine
July 31,
2024
Jakarta.
Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla expressed his deepest condolences on the
passing of Ismail Haniyeh, the Chairman of the Political Bureau of Hamas, on
Wednesday.
Hamas
said Haniyeh was killed "in a Zionist airstrike on his residence in Tehran
after he participated in the inauguration of Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian
the previous day.
"Innalillahi
wainnailaihi raji'un. I extend my condolences on the passing of the late Ismail
Haniyeh today," said Jusuf Kalla at his residence.
Kalla
remembered the late Haniyeh as a Palestinian fighter in Gaza. "He had
strong leadership in Palestine and Tehran," added Kalla.
Kalla
also shared that their first meeting took place in Doha last month. According
to Kalla, Haniyeh showed a great desire for peace and a fair resolution in
Palestine. During their two-hour meeting, Jusuf Kalla explained how the world's
attention is currently focused on Gaza, prompting all parties to help the
residents directly affected by the Israel-Hamas war. Kalla also highlighted the
difficulty of distributing aid to Gaza due to the Israeli blockade.
In that
meeting, Haniyeh expressed his wish to unite with Al-Fatah in Beijing and hoped
to visit Indonesia with Al-Fatah after their time in the Chinese capital.
"However,
today Allah has called him. We hope his dream of peace in Palestine can be
achieved despite the severe conflict there. We pray that his soul is accepted
by Allah SWT and that peace can be achieved in Palestine," said Kalla.
Furthermore,
Kalla hoped that Haniyeh's passing would not worsen the situation in Palestine.
Haniyeh
left the Gaza Strip in 2019 and had lived in exile in Qatar. The top Hamas
leader in Gaza is Yehya Sinwar, who masterminded the Oct. 7 attack.
In
April, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed three of Haniyeh's sons and four of
his grandchildren.
Haniyeh
was in Tehran to attend Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian's swearing-in
ceremony on Tuesday, along with other Hamas officials and officials from
Hezbollah and allied groups. Iran gave no details on how Haniyeh was killed,
and the Guard said the attack was under investigation.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/former-vp-jusuf-kalla-pays-tribute-to-ismail-haniyeh-calls-for-peace-in-palestine
--------
Myanmar's
junta terrorised a Rohingya Muslim town. Then rebels burned it down
JUL 31,
2024
Saifur
Rahman woke up to screams. In the darkness, the air reeked of fuel. Flames
blazed in the distance.
The town
of Buthidaung in Rakhine state, Myanmar's largest settlement of minority
Rohingya, was on fire and under attack.
“All I
could see was fire,” said the 30-year-old Rohingya. “We knew something bad
could happen but never imagined this.”
When the
fires subsided, much of the riverside town near Myanmar’s western border with
Bangladesh was smouldering debris, rendering thousands of Rohingya homeless.
Initial estimates suggest at least 45 Rohingya died during the attack and its
immediate aftermath, a senior United Nations official said.
The
attack at around 10 p.m. on May 17 was the latest of many bouts of violence
against the Rohingya, Myanmar’s largely Muslim ethnic minority group, which
suffered what the U.N. called “textbook ethnic cleansing” at the hands of the
Buddhist-majority country's military in 2017.
That
year, the military spearheaded the killing of an estimated 10,000 Rohingya,
sending more than 700,000 fleeing into neighbouring Bangladesh, according to
the U.N. Since then, fighting has flared between junta troops and the powerful
Arakan Army ethnic militia in Rakhine state, with combat intensifying in recent
months as the rebels scored major victories.
Reuters
interviewed 12 Buthidaung residents on the phone as well as near refugee camps
in Bangladesh, and reviewed satellite imagery of the area taken before and
after the fires to reconstruct the events of May 17. The news agency found that
the party directly responsible for the May arson attacks was not the military
but the Arakan Army, which is composed mainly of ethnic Rakhine, the Buddhist
majority in Rakhine state.
Like
many other ethnic armies in the country, the Arakan Army, often called the AA,
has been engaged in a brutal civil war against the junta since it overthrew
Myanmar's civilian-led government in a 2021 coup. Founded in 2009, the Arakan
Army has long fought the Myanmar state for the “liberation” of Rakhine and the
creation of an autonomous enclave.
James
Rodehaver, head of the U.N. office on human rights for Myanmar, told Reuters
that “every indication” from his organisation's interviews with residents
suggested the Arakan Army was responsible. He said residents described Arakan
Army soldiers armed with petrol-soaked sticks setting fire to buildings, and
that other potential “malefactors” like the junta were not in the area at the
time.
His
remarks are the first time the U.N. has indicated responsibility for the blaze.
Their research was ongoing, he said.
The
findings by the U.N. and Reuters contradict comments made to Reuters by Arakan
Army spokesman Khine Thu Kha on May 19 that the burning of Buthidaung was due
to a junta airstrike before the militia took over the town.
Rodehaver
told Reuters there was "no indication at all" of airstrikes having
caused the fires and no reports of large explosions that typically suggest such
attacks.
Nathan
Ruser, an analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute think-tank,
reviewed imagery of Buthidaung supplied by satellite firm Planet Labs before
and after the blazes and said they perfectly match a ground campaign of arson
attacks by the Arakan Army in northern Rakhine that he has closely studied.
“But
it's almost impossible without on-the-ground investigation to fully rule out
the possibility of airstrikes (by the junta) in the town itself,” Ruser said.
Presented
with Reuters’ findings, Khine Thu Kha said that they were “groundless accusations”
and that the rebel group had helped civilians without discriminating on the
basis of religion.
“We,
Arakan Army, did not burn anything,” he said. “There isn’t an innocent civilian
who died because of our troops.”
Myanmar’s
information ministry said in response to Reuters questions that the military
did not ignite communal tensions or set fire to any parts of Buthidaung while
it was under their control.
It said
the military was a “legally recognized armed organization… conducting
disciplined activities aimed at fully
protecting and defending our country,” and attributed blame for the incidents
to the Arakan Army, which it described as engaging in "terrorism.”
International
watchdogs like Amnesty, as well as Rohingya activist groups, have previously
accused the Arakan Army of abuses like abductions. It has always denied the
allegations.
Reuters
also found that the junta helped fuel the latest conflict between the Rakhine
majority in the state and Rohingya by forcibly recruiting members of the Muslim
minority - whom they previously sought to eliminate - to burn down their
Rakhine neighbours' homes in Buthidaung earlier this year.
Two
Rohingya men from Rakhine told Reuters that they had been abducted and
conscripted this year by the junta, which is facing a severe manpower shortfall
after major battlefield defeats in the civil war.
Three
other former Rohingya residents of Buthidaung said they had seen local Rohingya
being forcibly conscripted and deployed to burn the properties of Rakhine
residents who had fled.
Some
residents spoke on condition that only part of their names be used due to fear
of retaliation.
Ethnic
Rakhine participated in the purge of the Rohingya in 2017, Reuters has
previously reported.
The
military's strategy of forcibly recruiting “thousands” of Rohingya is aimed at
stoking communal divisions, said Thomas Andrews, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on
the situation of human rights in Myanmar.
“For
Rohingya people, oppressed, scapegoated, exploited, and stuck between warring
parties, the situation carries echoes of the lead-up to the genocidal violence
of 2016 and 2017,” Andrews said.
'TIME
FOR REVENGE'
The
violence in Buthidaung began earlier this year, when fighting between Arakan
Army and junta troops neared the town. Many Rakhine locals left in March,
according to five residents and a humanitarian official briefed on the
situation.
The
Buthidaung area had a population of around 55,000, according to the last census
held in 2014. That does not include the Rohingya - whom both the deposed
civilian government and the junta consider to be illegal immigrants, though
they have been in Myanmar for generations - who numbered more than 100,000,
according to two Rohingya activists.
The
forced recruitment of Rohingya in Buthidaung dates back to at least March, when
24-year-old Ali said soldiers barged into his house at around midnight.
They
picked up two dozen Rohingya that night, who were told by the soldiers that
“youths would have to take up arms to free the country from terrorism,” he
said.
Another
Rohingya man from Buthidaung also said that he was conscripted by the Arakan
Army to fight against the junta.
A
15-year-old Rohingya boy separately told Reuters that he was taken by a
military-aligned Rohingya insurgent group from a refugee camp in neighbouring
Bangladesh in April and brought to Rakhine state to fight a “jihad.”
Ali said
he was taken to a military training camp where he was taught to use weapons.
Eight days after his abduction, he was ordered to collect water and managed to
escape. He now lives in Bangladesh, after fleeing Myanmar on foot and via boat.
The next
month, military officers started pressuring Ali's fellow Rohingya conscripts
into burning and looting their Buddhist neighbours' homes, according to three
former Buthidaung residents who witnessed the arson.
“‘These
Rakhine people killed your people and burned your houses in 2017’,” said
Sawyed, who lived in the town's northeast, recalling what soldiers told
Rohingya conscripts. “‘Now, it is time for revenge.’”
“Community
members and elders tried to stop them,” another eyewitness said. “But they were
unstoppable.”
Satellite
imagery from Planet taken in mid-April shows large sections of southern and
western Buthidaung scorched by fires between April 13 and April 16, when
Medecins Sans Frontières reported its office adjoining the main highway cutting
through town had also been burnt down.
The
medical charity did not publicly blame any party for the incident that took
place on April 15. MSF said in a statement to Reuters that it had been forced
to suspend its activities in Buthidaung due to escalating conflict and that
“communities are being left with no options for medical care.”
Around
1,500 buildings in Buthidaung were burnt down during the April arson spree,
according to a count from satellite imagery by Data for Myanmar, an independent
research group.
Andrews,
the U.N. expert, told Reuters that arson attacks on civilian property and humanitarian
agencies “may also amount to crimes under international law” by both sides and
urged an International Criminal Court investigation so that “all perpetrators
(are) held accountable, regardless of their affiliation.”
The ICC
did not return a request for comment. The court in 2019 opened an investigation
into alleged crimes against humanity targeting the Rohingya but the scope of
the probe is limited to offenses where at least one element was committed on
the territory of Bangladesh.
Aung
Chay, a 27-year-old ethnic Rakhine schoolteacher from Buthidaung whose house
was burnt down, said he had lived peacefully with the Rohingya.
But
then, “they purposely torched our houses by joining the junta,” he said.
'FIRE
ALL AROUND'
Dozens
of areas near Buthidaung were set alight between April 15 and May 18, according
to an analysis of satellite imagery conducted by ASPI's Ruser.
At least
two smaller Rohingya settlements near Buthidaung were set ablaze in May as the
Arakan Army advanced through the countryside, according to a Reuters analysis
of satellite imagery cross-referenced against locations that the militia
announced it had captured.
The
U.N.'s Rodehaver said their analysis of the burning of Rohingya settlements in
the days prior to the arson in Buthidaung suggested targeted destruction, with
only Muslim areas set ablaze. A similar “very strategic set of burnings” was
seen during the arson of Buthidaung, he said.
Junta
troops in Buthidaung withdrew by May 15, according to four Buthidaung
residents, raising hopes that there would not be a battle for control of the
town.
“At
first, we thought the AA wouldn't trouble us because there was no need to fight
in the town,” said Sawyed. “So, we prepared ourselves to make friends.”
Around
6:30 p.m. on May 17, three Rohingya elders met Arakan Army fighters on the
outskirts of a nearby village.
The
Arakan Army instructed residents to not leave Buthidaung before the morning,
according to two people familiar with the matter. But at least some Rohingya
were separately told to leave immediately, according to the U.N's Rodehaver,
who said the militia had given similar warnings before torching other
settlements they advanced on.
But only
a few hours later, Arakan Army soldiers - identifiable by their uniforms and
the Rakhine dialect they spoke - marched into Buthidaung, according to five
Rohingya residents.
At
approximately 9:30 p.m., a 24-year-old shopkeeper who identified himself by
what he said was his nickname of Nuru saw AA troops in a northern
neighbourhood.
Chaos
erupted soon after. “Many people fled their homes, warning us that the AA were
coming and burning houses,” he said.
At
around the same time, 38-year-old grocer Zaw Win spotted houses ablaze in the
southern part of the town.
“There
was fire all around us - from the north, east, and south,” he said. “They were
setting fires to surround us.”
Rodehaver
said the Arakan Army used burning sticks doused in petrol that were flung to
start and spread blazes. Similar tactics were used against the Rohingya in
2017, Reuters previously reported.
The area
around Buthidaung's main hospital, where dozens of Rohingya had sought shelter,
was also set alight by Arakan Army fighters, two eyewitnesses said.
“I heard
the people yelling and begging for help,” one of them said, describing a house
filled with people that was on fire.
The
neighbourhoods identified by Nuru, Zaw Win and other eyewitnesses match the
areas razed by fire in satellite images reviewed by Reuters.
Many of
Buthidaung's Rohingya fled west along the main road, towards the coastal
settlement of Maungdaw.
Even
away from the fires, the danger wasn't over. By midnight, a crowd that was
fleeing in the direction of Maungdaw started gathering in the fields
surrounding Buthidaung prison.
But they
were blocked by Arakan Army soldiers, some of whom fired in the air, triggering
more chaos, according to three eyewitnesses.
Saifur
Rahman, his wife Jamila and their children, aged five and two, escaped the
crush - but only after his brother had been killed in the melee, he said.
“The
town was reduced to ashes before my eyes,” said Jamila. “It was no less than
hell on earth.”
The
family set off on foot for Bangladesh, a journey that took them six days.
Buthidaung is separated from coastal areas abutting Bangladesh by a mountain
range and Rahman said his family survived by eating leaves and coconuts.
“I only
knew that I needed to protect my daughters and my wife,” he said in an
interview near the Bangladesh town of Cox's Bazar, where sprawling refugee
camps are located.
Once
accepting of displaced Rohingya, Dhaka has said it will welcome no more
refugees from its war-torn neighbour, leaving Rahman fearful of deportation.
The Bangladesh interior and foreign ministries did not return requests for
comment.
Source: straitstimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/myanmars-junta-terrorised-a-rohingya-muslim-town-then-rebels-burned-it-down
--------
In
response to Anwar’s call to recognise Palestine, China says siding with Arab
and Islamic states on the issue
31 Jul
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR, July 31 — China has commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
for his remarks on the Palestinian issue, highlighting a shared global desire
for peace and stability in the Middle East.
The
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, expressed China's appreciation
for Anwar's comments, saying Beijing’s stance aligns with the aspirations of
the international community, especially Arab and Islamic states.
"China
appreciates the comment of Prime Minister [Datuk Seri] Anwar Ibrahim, which
reflects the common expectation and aspiration of the international community,
including the vast Arab and Islamic states, for an early settlement of the
Palestinian question and the realisation of peace and stability in the Middle
East," Lin said in his regular press conference yesterday.
“On
promoting the internal reconciliation of Palestine, China’s hope and direction
of effort are highly identical with those of the vast Arab and Islamic states.
"China
stands ready to step up communication and coordination with Malaysia and other
parties, work for the implementation of the Beijing Declaration, and play a
constructive role for peace and stability in the Middle East," he added.
Last
week, Anwar said he welcomed the agreement between Fatah and Hamas, inked in
Beijing, which aims to strengthen Palestinian unity.
Anwar
said the Beijing Declaration represents a promising step towards achieving
Palestinian solidarity, so crucial for realising the rights of the Palestinian
people.
Noting
that international backing is essential, Anwar also urged governments that have
not yet done so to recognise the State of Palestine and support these unity
efforts.
On
Monday, China had responded positively to the interest shown by various
countries towards Brics following Malaysia’s application, saying it welcomes
more “like-minded” partners to join in making the international order more just
and equitable.
“The
development and expansion of the Brics mechanism reflects the trend of the
times, serves the interests of relevant countries, and provides a strong
driving force for multipolarity in the world and greater democracy in
international relations.”
“That is
exactly why more and more emerging markets and developing countries, such as
Malaysia, show a keen interest in Brics and have expressed recognition for and
hope to join the group,” Lin said.
In June,
Anwar confirmed Malaysia’s intention to join Brics to Brazilian President Luiz
Inacio Lula da Silva.
Brics,
which initially included Brazil, Russia, India, and China, was established in
2009 as a cooperation platform for emerging economies, with South Africa
joining the bloc in 2010.
The bloc
now has been expanded to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab
Emirates.
Brics
now contributes to a quarter of the global economy, accounts for one-fifth of
global trade and represents about 40 per cent of the world’s population.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/07/31/in-response-to-anwars-call-to-recognise-palestine-china-says-siding-with-arab-and-islamic-states-on-the-issue/145545#google_vignette
---------
Sabah
police commissioner cautions against being used by terrorists
30-07-
2024
KOTA
KINABALU: Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun today urged all parties,
including police personnel and government officials, to avoid being used as
pawns by terrorists.
He said
that the cooperation of all parties, including the local community, is
essential in maintaining the country’s security, peace, and sovereignty.
“I
assure you that the security forces, particularly the police, will remain
vigilant, especially at the borders and in the waters, to prevent armed groups
from infiltrating the state.
“Everyone
involved in maintaining state security plays a crucial role in safeguarding the
nation’s security and sovereignty,” he said in his speech at the launch of the
book documenting Op Daulat Tanduo, titled ‘Briged Sabah, Pasukan Gerakan Am:
Membanteras Pengganas dan 5th Column di Kampung Tanduo’, which was officiated
by Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Jauteh
also highlighted that security forces, including the Malaysian Armed Forces,
the Royal Malaysia Police, and other agencies, such as the Immigration
Department and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, play a significant role
in protecting the country’s borders from external threats.
He
emphasised that cooperation from the local community is vital in supporting the
security forces, by providing information on suspicious activities or security
threats.
Jauteh
also noted the significant role of the media in informing the public about
security issues, and current developments related to national security.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of information sharing between
security agencies to enhance the effectiveness of their operations.
Furthermore,
Jauteh highlighted that the government, particularly the federal government, is
responsible for providing adequate resources to the security forces to ensure
they can perform their duties effectively.
“Only
through the combined efforts of all parties involved - security forces, local
communities, the media, and the government - can we safeguard the country’s
sovereignty, and maintain a safe environment for the people,” he said.
Regarding
the book on Op Daulat, Jauteh said that it was an initiative by the Sabah
General Operations Force (GOF). The project, which began last year, took
approximately eight months to complete.
“This
documentation is based on true accounts. We interviewed witnesses, officers,
and personnel involved in Op Daulat, to capture an accurate portrayal of the
events.
“We aim
to provide a balanced perspective, not limited to one side or particular party,
but a comprehensive account from those who were directly involved. We hope this
documentation will help the community gain a clearer understanding of the
actual events of Op Daulat,” he added.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/local-news/sabah-police-commissioner-cautions-against-being-used-by-terrorists-EN12796604
---------
Prabowo
Talks Defense Cooperation with Turkiye’s Erdogan
July 31,
2024
Jakarta.
President-Elect Prabowo Subianto recently traveled to Ankara for defense
discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Prabowo
told Erdogan that he wanted to see stronger bilateral partnership in the field
of defense and arms industry.
“Indonesia
considers Turkiye as an important country, a friendly nation, and a partner in
defense. We need to elevate this relation to build mutual trust and improve the
capacity of both our armed forces and the defense industry,” Prabowo, who
currently serves as the defense minister, said, as reported by a ministerial
press release.
Prabowo
also met with the Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler during his Ankara trip.
He gave Guler a similar message: that the existing defense cooperation still
has huge room for growth. Prabowo also visited some defense companies in
Turkiye.
The two
countries inked a defense cooperation agreement in 2010. Indonesia and Turkiye
also held its first defense dialogue in 2020. Some state-run companies have
also forged research and development (R&D) deals with several Turkish
defense companies. As a case in point, weapons manufacturer Pindad and Turkish
defense firm FNSS have an R&D agreement for the IFV-Infantry Fighting
Vehicle. Turkiye’s Aselsan alongside
Indonesia’s radio communications firm Wellracom Megahjaya and the state-owned
Len are also has a similar partnership on defense radio software, according to
the Defense Ministry.
Erdogan
was among the first world leaders to congratulate Prabowo for his election
victory earlier this year. The Turkish leader sent a personal letter to Prabowo
for leading the preliminary results. Erdogan also made a phone call after the
election commission officially declared Prabowo as the president-elect.
Prabowo
has been touring across the globe to meet world leaders ahead of his inauguration
in October. Prior to his Turkiye visit, he met with Serbian President
Aleksandar Vucic. He also had bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel
Macron last week.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/prabowo-talks-defense-cooperation-with-turkiyes-erdogan-
--------
Indonesian
Citizens Advised to Evacuate Lebanon as Conflict Escalates
July 31,
2024
Jakarta.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry has recommended that Indonesian citizens consider
leaving Lebanon amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
"Communication
is continuously maintained to monitor the condition of Indonesian citizens. As
of now, they are in good condition, calm, and safe," said Judha Nugraha,
Director of Citizen Protection at the Ministry, on Tuesday.
According
to data from the Indonesian Embassy in Beirut, there are 203 Indonesians
residing in Lebanon, along with approximately 1,232 Indonesian military
personnel serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Indonesians
are advised to remain vigilant and consider leaving Lebanon, as commercial
flights are still operational.
For
those in southern Lebanon, it is recommended to temporarily take shelter at the
Indonesian Embassy's Safe House in Beirut.
"There
are 14 Indonesians residing in southern Lebanon, and they have decided to stay
in their homes as they feel the situation is still relatively safe," Judha
added.
Indonesians
facing emergency situations can contact the Indonesian Embassy hotline in
Beirut at +961 7081 7310.
The
Lebanese government has stated that it is making every effort to avoid an
escalation of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah following the recent
shooting in the Golan Heights.
The
latest conflict began with a rocket attack in the Golan Heights that killed 12
people last weekend, an attack Israel claims was carried out by Hezbollah.
The
Lebanese militia denies this claim. Several Israeli officials have stated that
war with Lebanon is imminent.
The
Israeli armed forces attacked several Hezbollah targets within Lebanon and in
the southern part of the country on Sunday morning.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/indonesian-citizens-advised-to-evacuate-lebanon-as-conflict-escalates
--------
Pakistan
Amnesty
urges end to ‘brutal crackdown’ on Baloch protests, voices concern over
organisers’ arrest
July 30,
2024
At least
three people died and several were injured after participants of the
Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) protest clashed with security personnel in
different areas of the province a day ago. Despite roadblocks put in place by
the authorities, a large number of people managed to make their way from across
the province to Gwadar’s Marine Drive for the Baloch Raji Muchi (Baloch
national gathering).
On
Monday, the military said a soldier was martyred and 16 other security
personnel, including an officer, were injured in firing by “an unruly mob” in
Gwadar during clashes between the forces and supporters of the BYC. On the
other hand, BYC leader Dr Mahrang Baloch claimed hundreds of their supporters
had been arrested over the past two days.
According
to the latest reports emerging from the area, which is under a road and
communications blockade, participants of the Baloch Raji Muchi are still
present in Gwadar.
Security
forces launched a crackdown after the clashes to disperse the participants of a
sit-in organised by the BYC on Marine Drive, officials had said. The local
administration had claimed that the situation was becoming normal, adding that
police had arrested over two dozen protesters during the crackdown against the
participants of the sit-in which began on Sunday evening after the end of the
Baloch Raji Muchi.
Earlier
today, the BYC alleged that in Monday’s “ violent crackdown“, the
Counter-Terrorism Department had “forcibly abducted BYC leaders along with
other participants”.
It added
that “those abducted include Sammi Deen Baloch, Dr Sabiha Baloch and Sibghat
Abdul Haq Baloch. Their abduction was witnessed by thousands of peaceful
protestors. Before abducting them, the forces beat and tortured them, then
dragged them to their vehicles. Bearing baton charges, their conditions
deteriorated.”
In light
of the situation, Amnesty called for an end to the clampdown and urged the
immediate release of the organisers.
“The
reports of three deaths and the arrest of organisers, including Sammi Deen
Baloch, Sabghatullah Shah and Dr Sabiha Baloch, are extremely concerning and
indicative of the continuing decline in civil and political rights in
Pakistan,” the group said in its statement.
“Amnesty
International calls for an end to the brutal crackdown on the Baloch protests
and the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for
exercising their right of peaceful assembly.”
It added
that whenever Baloch protests occurred, they were met with “violence from
security forces” along with “mass arrests.”
“We saw
it in December last year at the Baloch Long March,” it added.
“We see
it now again with the Baloch Raji Muchi protests in what is clearly a punitive
attempt by the Pakistani authorities to deter, vilify, and criminalise peaceful
protesters.”
It
further added that roadblocks and shutdown of internet and mobile networks in
districts across Balochistan province had restricted movement and the flow of
“timely information”.
It said
that, under the Constitution and international human rights law, the government
was obligated “to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, access to
information, movement, and peaceful assembly”.
Amnesty
said it had previously documented the crackdown on the “Baloch Long March which
demonstrated a pattern of repressive interventions against those exercising the
right to protest such as the use by police of unlawful violence and the
arbitrary arrest and detention of protesters”.
In a
later statement, the BYC said Dr Sabiha was released today following “public
pressure and resistance”.
“However,
we still have no information about Sammi Deen Baloch and Sabghatullah Baloch.
They have been out of contact since yesterday morning. Additionally, more than
200 participants have been arrested from the Gwadar sit-in, and we have no
information about them either,” it added.
The BYC
demanded the “state and all its institutions to immediately release all the
arrested colleagues, including our leadership, without any ifs and buts,
restore internet and mobile network throughout Makran, including Gwadar and in
all areas of Balochistan. Completely remove obstacles in front of all our
convoys stopped at gunpoint by force. If the state and its institutions still
do not change their … behaviour, then from today we will shut down the entire
Balochistan, including Quetta, for an indefinite period and if any untoward
incident occurs during this period, then all the responsibility will be on the
state and it will be imposed on its institutions.”
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1848995/amnesty-urges-end-to-brutal-crackdown-on-baloch-protests-voices-concern-over-organisers-arrest
---------
Imran
Khan asks military to nominate representative for holding talks
July 30,
2024
RAWALPINDI:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) imprisoned founder Imran Khan has expressed
willingness for initiating talks with the army, asking the military to nominate
a representative to hold parleys.
The PTI
founder, who appeared in a court established in Adiala jail for a hearing, said:
"We are ready to hold talks with the military. The army should nominate
their representative [for negotiations]."
Khan,
who has been imprisoned for nearly a year, said that his party had never
levelled allegations against the army, but had only criticised the armed
forces.
He
further said that if any PTI worker was found guilty in the May 9, 2023, riots
then the authorities should penalise the individual.
Khan
reiterated that the incumbent government wanted to destroy his party by
creating a wedge between PTI party and the armed forces.
When
asked why was he seeking talks when he was criticising the army and why wasn't
he seeking talks with political parties, he said: "What is the SIFC? Who
is Mohsin Naqvi? There is an undeclared martial law."
Khan
said that Interior Minister Naqvi was "their" representative and that
he had reached "this place due to them".
He then
alleged that he would never hold talks with Naqvi as he along with the Punjab
Inspector General (IG) “oppressed” his party.
In his
statement, the PTI founder also termed Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz
"fascist" while pointing towards back-to-back arrests of the party
leadership across the province.
The
deposed prime minister, referring to his arrest last year, alleged that he was
"abducted from judicial complex" and "it was declared legal by
the Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq".
He
demanded the IHC CJ to recuse himself from his cases. Appealing to the
judiciary, Khan said that his cases should be referred to any other high court
judges except for Justice Farooq.
Slamming
Khan’s call for negotiations, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and
Punjab senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the "self-proclaimed
revolutionary figure” has descended from his previous stances of “I will not
seek pardon" to an apologetic tone.
The
Punjab minister questioned on what issues the PTI founder wants to hold
dialogue with the military.
Referring
to the May 9 violent protests, Aurangzeb asked the incarcerated ex-premier to
tender an apology to the military for "attacking GHQ, martyrs' monuments,
corps commander's house and airbase, instead of demanding talks".
Reacting
to Imran's "fascist" remarks against the Punjab CM, Aurangzeb said:
"A fascist is an individual who violates the Constitution for staying in
power. A fascist is a person who arrests a daughter before his imprisoned
father to torture the political opponent."
She
further said that a "media predator" and the one who ceased freedom
of expression could be termed a "fascist".
Responding
to Imran's allegations, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said that the
PTI founder was himself a "fascist ruler" who sent more than 100
PML-N leaders behind bars in political cases.
She
added that the PML-N leaders did not leave Nawaz Sharif and the party despite
facing arrests. On the other hand, the PTI leaders conducted press conferences
to announce quitting the Imran-founded party after spending only one night in
jails, she criticised.
Bokhari
asked Imran not to throw the burden of his “crimes, failed rebellion and
anti-Pakistan conspiracies” on CM Maryam. She said that those who were
responsible for the "failed rebellion" on May 9, 2023, will be held
accountable.
The
latest statement comes a day after Khan endorsed his earlier statement that he
directed his party works to stage a peaceful protest outside the military's
General Headquarters (GHQ)in Rawalpindi before his arrest last year.
The PTI
leadership had refuted the media reports about Khan's admission, claiming that
the party founder "didn't say what is being reported in the media".
In the
same a day earlier, the legally embattled PTI leader also came up with a new
stance on the "only animals are neutral" statement from 2022.
"Neutral
doesn't mean animal, it means apolitical. I meant to say the army is
non-partisan," he said, while referring to his remark made at a rally in
Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when he was the prime minister in 2022.
Cases
against ex-PM
The
71-year-old PTI founding chairman has been in prison for almost a year after he
was booked in a plethora of cases, including the Toshakhana, cipher, and the
un-Islamic marriage. His wife, Bushra, has also been behind bars for months.
However,
a court suspended his sentence in the Toshakhana case, while other courts
overturned his convictions in the cipher and iddat cases.
While
there were hopes for Imran and Bushra's release in July, they were dashed when
NAB arrested them on fresh charges related to the sale of state gifts.
The
chances of Imran's release from jail further dimmed after he was arrested in
new cases linked to the May 9, 2023, riots, following his acquittal in the
iddat case.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1214929-imran-khan-asks-military-to-nominate-representative-for-holding-talks
--------
Govt
lambasts Imran Khan for asking military to hold talks
July 30,
2024
The
government lambasted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan for
asking the army to hold talks with his party, with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
(PML-N) saying that the former prime minister is trying to
"politicise" the military.
The PTI
founder, who appeared in a court established in Adiala jail for a hearing
earlier today expressed willingness for negotiations with the military, asking
the army to nominate a representative for the purpose.
Khan,
who has been imprisoned for nearly a year now, also alleged that the incumbent
government wanted to destroy his party by driving a wedge between the PTI and
the armed forces.
Addressing
a press conference in Islamabad today, Federal Information Minister Attaullah
Tarar said that the incarcerated ex-premier sought a dialogue with the army
after the institution decided to remain apolitical, recalling that the same
Khan had equated "neutral with animal" when the army announced
staying away from political matters.
Calling
the 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician a "security risk" for the
country's economy, Tarar said Khan has previously said "I will not
spare" and now he has come down to making beseeching.
Censuring
the PTI founder, Tarar said Khan believed in the politics of mudslinging.
"You
are a security risk for the country as your people say that there is no
Pakistan without the PTI founder," he said. He termed the PTI a
"terrorist outfit" saying this terror organisation was not suitable
for Pakistan.
Now, a
new story has been concocted in the Adiala Jail, the PML-N leader said while
referring to the PTI founder's statement offering talks to the military.
The
minister said, "You (Imran Khan) bring back terrorists back in the Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa. You operate a social media cell. And now you seek dialogue,"
adding that the former premier sought to politicise the military for his own
political interests.
The
minister further noted that Khan's call for dialogue had come in the backdrop
of "improving" economic conditions in the country.
Similarly,
PML-N leader and Punjab senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb also rebuked Imran
Khan's call for talks, saying that the “self-proclaimed revolutionary figure”
has descended from his previous stances of “I will not seek pardon” to seeking
an apology.
The
Punjab minister questioned what issues the PTI founder wanted to discuss in
dialogue with the military.
Referring
to the May 9 violent protests, Aurangzeb asked the ex-premier to tender an
apology to the military for "attacking GHQ, martyrs' monuments, corps
commander’s house and airbase, instead of demanding talks".
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1214950-govt-lambasts-imran-khan-for-asking-military-to-hold-talks
--------
Imran
Khan seeks post-arrest bail in dozen May 9 cases
July 30,
2024
PTI
founder Imran Khan on Tuesday sought post-arrest bail from an anti-terrorism
court (ATC) in Lahore over a dozen cases related to the May 9 riots, for which
the high court had set aside his physical remand.
The
already incarcerated former prime minister was “arrested” in these cases on
July 15 — just a day after he and his wife, Bushra Bibi, had been apprehended
in a new Toshakhana case, following their acquittal in the Iddat case.
The new
arrest, however, had left his chances of being free from jail hanging in the
balance.
Given
his repeated apprehensions, Tuesday’s petition — filed through Barrister Salman
Safdar and a copy of which is available with Dawn.com — moved the court to
grant a post-arrest bail to the former premier.
#asusmiddleeast
#asuszenbook #zenbookduo #letsduoit #rogmiddleeast #rogzephyrus #zephyrusg14g16
“[…] The
petitioner being aggrieved from a malicious and politically motivated attempt
of the complainant to frame him in this frivolous FIR, craves for the kind
indulgence of this honourable court for the grant of ‘post arrest’ bail”, it
read.
The
petition was made based on ten points arguing why Imran must be granted bail.
It said that the sole allegation against him was related to “abetment” for
allegedly inciting his supporters to violence. It argued that the allegation
was levelled against him when he was in custody and was not allowed to
communicate with the outside world.
It added
that since his arrest was not sought for five-and-a-half months after his bail
was dismissed on non-prosecution on August 11, his arrest was not required in
the case.
The
petition noted that bail petitions for similar cases had been granted to Imran
by the ATCs in Lahore and Rawalpindi as well as additional sessions judges in
Islamabad, while “witnesses of abetment introduced at belated stage have
already been disbelieved by an ATC in Lahore.
“The
petitioner’s arrest, based on vague and belated allegations, highlights the
police’s malafide intent and ulterior motives, as further evidenced by
directives from senior officials to implicate him in all related cases,” the
petition argued.
It said
that the material collected by police from social media was the result of an
afterthought and, therefore, does not constitute any penal offence, adding that
the majority of those co-accused have already been granted bail.
“There
is a need for ‘further Inquiry’ into the petitioner’s guilt, making his
continued incarceration illegal and unjustified given the lack of credible
evidence,” the petition stated, adding that Imran “had been roped in this case
at behest of his political opponents.”
The
petition argued that since the “sole allegation” against Imran was related to
abetment, therefore, a case of an abettor not present at the spot “always
stands at a lower footing”.
Cases’
history
On July
15, a Lahore ATC granted police Imran’s 10-day physical remand against a
request for a 30-day remand.
Subsequently,
on July 18, Imran approached the LHC challenging his physical remand in 12
criminal cases of last year’s violent attacks on military facilities and other
properties, including the Lahore corps commander’s residence. He had argued
that the ATC order be declared illegal and set aside and that his custody be
transferred from the police to judicial custody.
After
issuing notices on July 23, an LHC division bench had the next day asked the
prosecution to justify the need for Imran’s physical remand.
The
bench had observed that the prosecution needed to justify what evidence
necessitated the remand of the petitioner.
On July 25,
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh and Justice Anwarul Haq Pannun resumed the hearing,
accepting Imran’s petition to set aside his 10-day physical remand.
“The
remand is not to be granted in a mechanical manner on the police request,” said
a detailed verdict issued by the bench.
The
verdict authored by Justice Pannun said a judge, who grants remand, is under
legal duty to satisfy himself if under the circumstances the remand is to be
granted or not. It said the liberty of a person cannot be curtailed and he has
a legal right to explain his point of view before the judge when remand is to
be granted.
Hearing
a separate petition, the bench also set aside a notification permitting Imran’s
appearance in court cases via video link due to security reasons.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1848955/imran-khan-seeks-post-arrest-bail-in-dozen-may-9-cases
--------
IHC
orders de-sealing of PTI's central secretariat in Islamabad
July 31,
2024
In a
major development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday ordered the
Capital Development Authority (CDA) authorities to de-seal the central
secretariat of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) with immediate effect as the
former ruling party gave an undertaking to comply with building control
regulations within one week of the order.
The
development came a week after the Municipal Corporation of Islamabad (MCI)
sealed the building located in the federal capital's Sector G-8/4.
The
corporation sealed the premises last week on July 23 over the violation of the
Islamabad Building Standards for Fire Prevention and Life Safety 2010, after
serving a notice to the PTI Secretariat a day prior.
In its
petition against the sealing of the party's office in Islamabad, the PTI had
argued that the building was sealed without any prior notice and "as such
without lawful authority".
The
court said that the CDA "failed to show an iota of evidence that there was
any 'emergent situation' which required inspection of the building.
The IHC
earlier today (Tuesday) nullified the MCI's July 22 order regarding sealing the
PTI office after the Imran Khan-founded party agreed with the city's
development authority to comply with the building rules.
The
court also directed the political party to put in place precautionary
fire-tending arrangements at the premises. The IHC also noted that the PTI
agreed with the city's administration to install the fire-extinguishers on
every floor of the building.
A gas
leakage detector will be set up to protect the building's kitchen, the IHC
said, adding that the building will also be properly wired. The former ruling
party will also set up a dedicated water tank for fire-fighting purpose along
with a fire pump set as well as a manual fire alarm system on the rooftop.
It
should be mentioned that the federal capital's administration had also
demolished a portion of the party's secretariat in May this year over a
“violation of building rules”, as part of its anti-encroachment operation to
eliminate illegal construction and encroachment in the city.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1215075-ihc-orders-de-sealing-of-ptis-central-secretariat-in-islamabad
--------
NA bill
seeks to bar independents from changing affidavit regarding party affiliation
July 30,
2024
A new
bill tabled in the National Assembly seeks restriction on the independent
candidates from changing their affidavits regarding the party affiliation after
a certain time.
The bill
seeking amendments to the Election Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was tabled by
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Bilal Azhar Kiyani amid strong
criticism from the opposition benches.
One of
the proposed amendment suggests that individuals who contested general election
as independent candidate shouldn't be allowed to change their affidavit at a
later stage to declare affiliation with any political party.
The
amendments have been proposed to the Section 66 and Section 104 of the Election
Act, 2017.
"Provided
further that an independent candidate shall no, be considered as the candidate
of any political party if at later stage he files a statement duly signed and
notarised stating that he contested the general elections as a candidate of the
political party specified therein,” read the bill a copy of which is available
with Geo News.
The bill
also proposed that political parties who failed to submit list of the reserved
seats within the stipulated time to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
will not be eligible for the reserved seats.
“Provided
further that if any political party fails to submit its list for reserved seats
within the aforesaid prescribed time period, it shall not be eligible for the
quota in the reserved seats at later stage," the bill stated.
Moreover,
it proposed that any candidate will be considered as an independent candidate
if they fail to submit declaration for affiliation with a political party
before seeking the allotment of an election symbol.
“Provided
that if a candidate, before seeking allotment of a prescribed symbol, has not
filed a declaration before the returning officer about his affiliation with a
particular political party by submitting party certificate from the political
party confirming that he is that party’s candidate, he shall be deemed to be
considered as an independent candidate and not a candidate of any political
party," the bill read.
"This
Act shall come into force at once and shall be deemed to have taken effect on
and from the commencement of the Elections Act, 2017," the bill read.
The
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq sent the amendment bill to the relevant
standing committee in the House.
The
development comes after the Supreme Court verdict that declared the former
ruling party eligible for reserved seats of women and minorities in the
national and provincial assemblies.
The PTI
members had contested the February 8 elections as independent candidates and
later joined the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) on the party's instruction in a
bid to receive reserved seats as independents are not allowed under law to get
reserved seats.
Ahead of
the February 8 elections, the Supreme Court upheld the electoral body's
decision to deprive the party of its iconic 'bat' symbol, leaving the PTI
without a status of a political party.
After
winning the most seats in the elections earlier this year, the PTI was denied
reserved seats by the ECP and this decision was also upheld by the Peshawar
High Court (PHC), citing that the party could not submit the list of its
candidates for reserved seats in the stipulated time.
Dismissing
the ECP's verdict, the apex court had on July 12 ruled that "PTI was and
is a political party" that won general seats in the national and
provincial assemblies in the February 8 elections, thus, is entitled to
reserved seats.
In the
landmark ruling, the apex court directed the PTI to submit a list of its
eligible candidates for reserved seats to the electoral body within 15 days of
the verdict. The ECP should then publish the list of reserved seats of the
candidates on its website within seven days, the SC ruling stated.
Implementing
the court orders, the election watchdog, declared 39 PTI lawmakers in the NA as
the candidates affiliated with the PTI.
These
were the MNAs who had contested the February 8 elections as independent
candidates and shown their affiliation with the former ruling party in their
documents submitted to the election commission ahead of the polls.
Faced
with the possibility of the PTI becoming the largest party in the National
Assembly after it gets the reserved seats following the SC's order, the ruling
coalition partners, PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), have also filed
a review petition in the apex court against the reserved seats' verdict.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1214966-na-bill-seeks-to-bar-independents-from-changing-affidavit-regarding-party-affiliation
--------
Former
army officer awarded 14-year sentence for inciting sedition: ISPR
July 30,
2024
RAWALPINDI:
Lieutenant Colonel Akbar Hussain, a retired officer of the Pakistan Army, has
been sentenced for the charges of inciting sedition among army personnel from
the discharge of duties, according to a statement issued by the military’s
media wing on Tuesday.
The
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the retired army officer was
sentenced through Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army
Act, 1952, for inciting sedition among army personnel from the discharge of
duties.
The
court of competent jurisdiction adjudged him "guilty" of the offence
charged, through due judicial process and awarded the punishment of 14 years
rigorous imprisonment on May 10, it added.
Pursuant
to the awarded sentence, the ISPR said, the rank of the officer has been
forfeited on July 26, 2024.
Prior to
this, ex-Major (retd) Adil Farooq Raja and ex-Captain (retd) Haider Raza Mehdi
were also convicted and sentenced through FGCM for the charges of inciting
sedition among army personnel from the discharge of duties and violation of the
provisions of Official Secrets Act, 1923 related to espionage and acts
prejudicial to the safety and interest of the state.
The
court of competent jurisdiction had convicted and adjudged both Raja and Mehdi
on October 7 and 9 2023, through due judicial process, with the punishments
awarded as 14 and 12 years of rigorous imprisonment respectively and forfeiture
of the rank of both individuals with effect from November 21, 2023.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1214905-ex-army-officer-hussain-awarded-14-year-sentence-for-inciting-sedition
--------
Pakistan,
Sri Lanka to boost cooperation in diverse sectors
July 30,
2024
Pakistan
and Sri Lanka have decided to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the
fields of agriculture, health, connectivity and culture.
An
agreement to this effect was reached at the seventh round of bilateral
political consultations held in Islamabad today between the two countries.
The Sri
Lankan delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane while the
Pakistan side was headed by Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi. The
Consultations were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere.
The two
sides reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations. The discussions focused
particularly on trade, economic cooperation, defence and security, education,
parliamentary exchanges, culture, media, sports, cooperation at multilateral
forums, and consular matters. The political and security dynamics in South Asia
and its neighbouring regions were also discussed.
Both the
sides expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral
relations and reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthen mutually beneficial
cooperation. It was agreed to enhance bilateral dialogue and exchanges and to
strengthen the dialogue mechanisms.
They
also noted with appreciation that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had unanimity of views
on several global issues.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.radio.gov.pk/30-07-2024/pakistan-sri-lanka-agree-to-boost-cooperation-in-diverse-sectors
--------
Warship
of Turkish Navy, TCG Kinaliada, arrives in Karachi
July 31,
2024
A
warship of Turkish Navy, TCG Kinaliada, has arrived in Karachi.
A ship
of Pakistan Navy warmly greeted the Turkish ship on entering Pakistani
territorial waters.
Commanding
Officer of the ship during stay at Karachi will meet with field commanders and
other senior officials of Pakistan Navy.
During
the meetings, professional issues of mutual interest between the navies of the
two countries will be discussed.
The
delegation of Turkiye will also visit Mazar-e-Quaid.
This
visit is a reflection of the strong and long-standing relationship between the
navies of the two brotherly countries.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-07-2024/warship-of-turkish-navy-tcg-kinaliada-arrives-in-karachi
--------
Students
spend day with Pakistan Army at Malir Garrison
July 31,
2024
Students
from different institutes of Sindh spent a day with Pakistan Army at Malir Garrison.
They
observed weapons in use of Pakistan Army including Al-Khalid tanks.
The
students were highly appreciative of Pakistan Army for their sacrifices for the
defense of the homeland, and vowed to stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed
forces.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.radio.gov.pk/31-07-2024/students-spend-day-with-pakistan-army-at-malir-garrison
--------
Arab World
OIC Condemns
Israel’s Confiscation of Palestinian Archaeological Sites
July 30,
2024
RIYADH:
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned on Monday the ongoing Israeli
colonial practices, particularly the confiscation of thousands of acres of
Palestinian land.
The
Jeddah-based organization said the latests of these practices was ceasing
archeological sites in Sebastia village in the West Bank.
The OIC
said that these practices fall within Israel’s discriminative policy against
hundreds of archaeological, historical, scientific and religious sites in the
Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including Jerusalem.
Israel
is trying to “erase and destroy the cultural and civilizational heritage of the
Palestinian people,” the organization said, adding that these actions are a
flagrant violation of a number of international laws and conventions.
The OIC
called on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO), to take immediate action to safeguard the tangible and intangible
cultural assets in the occupied Palestinian territory.
In early
July, Israel approved the largest seizure of land in the occupied West Bank in
over three decades, an anti-settlement watchdog group said, a move that could
further worsen already soaring tensions linked to the ongoing war in Gaza.
Peace
Now said authorities recently approved the appropriation of 12.7 square
kilometers (nearly 5 square miles) of land in the Jordan Valley. The group’s
data indicate it was the largest single appropriation approved since the 1993
Oslo accords at the start of the peace process.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559056/saudi-arabia
---------
Saudi
Arabia bolsters efforts to stem human trafficking
July 30,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has
reaffirmed its dedication to combating human trafficking and bolstering
compliance with labor market regulations on World Day Against Trafficking in
Persons.
The day
is observed annually on July 30 by the UN General Assembly to raise awareness
about this crime, highlight the victims’ suffering, and advocate for their
rights and protection. This year’s theme is “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight
Against Human Trafficking.”
Minister
Ahmed Al-Rajhi underscored the Saudi leadership’s resolute commitment to
upholding human dignity and safeguarding the rights of all individuals in the
Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He
emphasized that trafficking violates human rights and dignity and highlighted
Saudi Arabia’s measures against this crime, including stringent laws and
community awareness programs.
Al-Rajhi
also stressed the importance of international and regional cooperation,
information sharing, and joint efforts to prevent, combat, and raise awareness
about human trafficking.
The
ministry has carried out various programs to inform citizens and residents
about the risks associated with practices contributing to human trafficking and
to promote measures to counter it.
Initiatives
include enacting legislation to protect workers’ contractual rights and acting
against illegal practices such as forced labor.
The
ministry urges the public to report any cases of suspected human trafficking
through the appropriate channels. Immediate action will be taken to address
these concerns.
Meanwhile,
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi said that GCC
countries place great emphasis on combating human trafficking, driven by their
dedication to upholding the principles of Islam.
These
principles, he said, defend human dignity and prohibit and penalize any actions
that degrade dignity, restrict freedom, or exploit individuals.
Albudaiwi
noted that Article 3 of the GCC Human Rights Declaration prohibits slavery,
servitude, forced labor, and human trafficking in all forms, especially those
affecting women and children.
He said
that due to the GCC’s commitment to combating cross-border crimes and
trafficking in persons and to protecting their territories from such practices,
the GCC Supreme Council adopted the Abu Dhabi Document on the Unified Law to
Prevent Human Trafficking in GCC countries during its 27th session in 2006.
This
law, he added, aims to prevent and put an end to the exploitation of humans in
various forms, including prostitution, sexual assault, forced labor, slavery,
organ removal, and trafficking.
Albudaiwi
emphasized that international efforts in this regard cannot succeed without
coordinated national and regional initiatives and the adoption of best
practices to eliminate human trafficking.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559421/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
Cabinet session praises Kingdom’s 2034 FIFA World Cup bid
July 30,
2024
RIYADH:
The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday praised the submission of Saudi Arabia’s bid to
host the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a
session chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Cabinet said the
hosting of the World Cup would show the Kingdom’s determination to present an
exceptional version of the major sporting event.
The bid
was submitted to FIFA officials in Paris on Monday by a delegation headed by
the Saudi minister of sports, Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, and President of
the Saudi Football Federation Yasser Al-Misehal.
“With this candidacy, we intend to host the
exceptional edition that brings together 48 teams for the first time in the
history of the tournament in one country,” the minister said.
“Saudi
Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 is a bid for the future. It is for
our children and those who dream big.”
Separately,
the ministers reviewed the progress of Saudi Vision 2030, and commended the
advancement made in the housing and health transformation programs.
Particularly
initiatives to elevate homeownership rates among Saudi families, delivering
thousands of housing units to developmental housing beneficiaries, and
improving healthcare accessibility.
The
Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom’s high rankings in labor-market indicators
issued by the World Economic Forum, noting the record-breaking rise in the
number of Saudis employed in the private sector.
The
number of citizens in the workforce grew from 1.7 million in 2019 to over 2.3
million in 2024. Unemployment also decrease by 6.7% in the first quarter of
this year.
Ministers
welcomed the second consultative meeting on enhancing coordination of peace
initiatives and efforts in Sudan, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to
continue its efforts to resolve the crisis in this brotherly country and
restore security and stability.
The
Cabinet also emphasized the Kingdom’s continued support for Yemen, encouraging
efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559726/saudi-arabia
--------
Deputy
minister for political affairs meets Syrian ambassador to Saudi Arabia
July 30,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Dr. Saud Al-Sati met with
Ambassador of Syria to the Kingdom Ayman Soussan in Riyadh on Tuesday.
During
the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to develop them in
various fields, the Foreign Ministry reported on X.
Meanwhile,
acting CEO of the Ministry of Culture’s Museums Commission Ibrahim Al-Sanousi
met with Pakistani Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmad Farooq, and they discussed
avenues of cooperation in museum innovation, the Pakistani Embassy reported on
X.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559696/saudi-arabia
---------
Riyadh
expo to discuss health sector developments
July 30,
2024
RIYADH:
The Ministry of Health is preparing for the seventh Global Health Exhibition
under the theme “Invest in Health,” organized by Tahaluf company and supported
by the Health Sector Transformation Program.
The
exhibition will take place at the Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center in
Malham from Oct. 21 to 23, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
More
than 1,200 global and local companies and brands from over 70 countries, along
with 500 experts and speakers, will participate to discuss the latest health
sector developments and investments, showcasing new technologies with
innovators and investors.
The expo
aims to encourage personal health investments and promote broader investment in
the health sector, SPA stated.
The
event will also feature over 100 panel discussions on key aspects of the
healthcare system and investment in the Kingdom.
Additionally,
innovations and products will be showcased across several health sectors,
including biotechnology, healthcare and public services, imaging and
diagnostics, laboratory equipment and devices, pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and
IT systems and solutions.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559436/saudi-arabia
--------
KSrelief
provides aid for needy in Guinea, Turkiye
July 31,
2024
RIYADH:
The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has provided healthcare services for people
in Guinea and Turkiye over the past few weeks, the Saudi Press Agency reported
on Wednesday.
In
Conakry, Guinea, the Noor Saudi Arabia program, aimed at helping those with
visual challenges, provided services between July 15 and 23.
Medical
staffers completed 6,500 examinations, distributed 1,100 spectacles, and
carried out 450 operations.
In
Turkiye’s Reyhanli city on Sunday, a medical project was launched which
provided 235 therapy sessions, and fitted 12 prosthetic limbs as well as 28
custom orthotic braces.
The
project, from July 27 to Aug. 4, comprises 12 volunteers of the Saudi Life
Volunteer Program to assist earthquake victims in Syria and Turkiye.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559856/saudi-arabia
--------
North America
Muslim
Leaders Condemn ‘Disgraceful’ Olympics Scene: It ‘Offended Us As Much As Them’
July 31,
2024
By Kate
Quiñones
Top
government officials in Iran and Turkey, along with other Muslim religious
figures, are speaking out against the drag-queen-led parody of the Last Supper
at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony that shocked Christians and others
across the world.
The supreme
leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the “insults” against Jesus
Christ, noting that Jesus is a respected figure in Islam.
“Respect
for #JesusChrist … is an indisputable, definite matter for Muslims,” Khamenei
said in a post on X. “We condemn these insults directed at the holy figures of
divine religions, including Jesus Christ,” added the supreme leader of Iran
since 1989.
Turkish
President Recep Tayyi Erdoğan also spoke out against the ceremony, saying he
intended to call Pope Francis at the earliest opportunity to discuss the
“immorality committed against the Christian world.”
The
“disgraceful scene in Paris offended not only the Catholic world, not only the
Christian world, but also us as much as them,” Erdoğan said during an address
in the country’s capital of Ankara.
“Immorality
displayed at the opening of the Paris Olympics once again highlighted the scale
of the threat we face,” he added.
Muslims
do not recognize the divinity of Jesus but do reverence him as a prophet.
The top
institution of the Sunni branch of Islam in Egypt also issued a statement
condemning the Olympic ceremony portrayal.
“The
scenes portray Jesus Christ,” the Al-Azhar statement read,
“in an offensive image that involves disrespect to his person.”
“Al-Azhar,
and nearly 2 billion Muslims behind it, believe that Jesus … is the Messenger
of Allah. The Quran reads, Jesus is Allah’s ‘Word through Mary and a spirit from
him.’”
The
Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the
grand imam of Al-Azhar, also issued a denunciation of the opening ceremony.
“This
disgraceful act showed a complete lack of respect for the beliefs of religious
people and the high moral values they hold dear,” the statement read. “The
council unequivocally rejects all attempts to demean religious symbols,
beliefs, and sacred figures.”
Christian
as well as other leaders worldwide have spoken out against Friday’s opening
ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The world’s wealthiest individual, Elon
Musk, called the scene “extremely disrespectful to Christians.”
The
controversial show, part of the 1.5-billion-euro (about $1.62 billion)
spectacle to kick off the Olympic Games, featured drag queens portraying the
apostles and an overweight DJ as Jesus in what appeared to be a part of a
fashion show apparently mocking Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting of the Last
Supper.
Anne
Descamps, spokesperson for the Paris Olympics, defended the opening ceremonies,
saying “there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious
group.”
She said
the goal of the opening ceremony was to “celebrate community tolerance.”
“We
believe this ambition was achieved. If people have taken any offense we are
really sorry,” Descamps added.
Bishop
Robert Barron panned Descamps’ statement as “anything but an apology.”
Source: eurasiareview.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.eurasiareview.com/31072024-muslim-leaders-condemn-disgraceful-olympics-scene-it-offended-us-as-much-as-them/#google_vignette
--------
US
congressional aides launch site to allow free criticism of Gaza war
July 30,
2024
LONDON:
A group of Washington staffers have launched a website to raise objections and
criticisms of the US government’s stance on Gaza.
The
site, known as the Congressional Dissent Channel, is designed so that
individuals can speak freely and anonymously — including about colleagues,
superiors and employers — without fear of retaliation, in a manner similar to a
channel created by the US State Department to allow employees to voice dissent
at their government, which was set up during the Vietnam War.
It has
been established by aides who organized a walkout on Capitol Hill last week to
protest the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he
addressed Congress. The same group also set up a flower vigil outside the
Capitol in November last year to demand a ceasefire in Gaza, the New York Times
reported.
The
group said it is comprised of “congressional aides dedicated to changing the
paradigm of US support for the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza being
carried out by the state of Israel.”
Congressional
aides tend to keep low professional profiles and have little recourse to airing
opinions that differ from those of their bosses, and can face dismissal for
doing so.
Michael
Suchecki, spokesman for the Congressional Progressive Staff Association, told
the NYT that aides have a duty to raise alternative opinions, especially when
they differ from representatives and are being put forward by voters.
“While
we may work for and be employed by the United States Congress, our ultimate
sworn oath is to the Constitution — to the people of the United States,” he
said.
In the
wake of the attack on the US Capitol by rioters on Jan. 6, 2021, attitudes
began to change toward the culture in Washington, with several groups of aides
joining together to form the Congressional Progressive Staff Association
demanding safer working conditions. Less than a year later, aides from eight
congressional offices began to put in place the framework to establish an
official workers union.
In the
wake of Israel’s invasion of Gaza, many aides have turned their attention to
using the organizations and networks they have established to try to work for a
ceasefire from Washington itself, including raising awareness of US arms
shipments to Israel used in the campaign.
In a
statement on the Congressional Dissent Channel’s webpage, staffers wrote: “We
are living through a fraught moment in U.S. foreign policy, one in which
American-made bombs — paid for by American tax dollars — are dropped on homes,
schools and hospitals.
“Despite
the evidence before our eyes, the voices advocating in Congress for the
pragmatic and moral solutions that would uphold our treaty obligations and
could broker peace are repeatedly sidelined, ignored and maligned.”
The site
was launched on Sunday. By Monday morning, six memos from anonymous
congressional aides had been published, with those wishing to contribute told
to email memos to the channel’s inbox for content evaluation, author
identification and publication by a member of the team. Anonymous videos can
also be submitted.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2559446/world
--------
Africa
6,900
Surrendered Boko Haram Terrorists To Face ‘Transitional’ Justice — Borno Gov’t
A total
of 6,900 Boko Haram fighters from among the over 200,000 surrendered terrorists
in the custody of the Borno State government will undergo transitional justice.
Borno
State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira
Gambo who stated this also disclosed that over 80,000 of those in custody are
innocent men and women used by the terrorists as slaves to farm for them.
Transitional
justice is a peace-building mechanism that seeks to address severe atrocities
and end recurring cycles of violent conflict through a range of responses,
including restitution, reconciliation, prosecution, and amnesty.
Hajiya
Gambo made the revelation during the conclusion of the best practice
dissemination and learning programme organised by the Allamin Foundation for
Peace and Development, held on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
She
said,” A total of 200,000 Boko Haram terrorists and their families have thus
far surrendered to the state government since the mass surrender began in 2021.
“Nearly
9,000 people have been reintegrated into the society, and the scheme has
achieved notable success.
“Let me
clarify, we have about 6,900 genuine Boko Haram fighters in our custody, and
they will face transitional justice because they have committed crimes. We are
working on that; they are real fighters,” she declared.
The
Executive Director of the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, Hamsatu
Allamin, added that the surrendered individuals regretted their involvement
with Boko Haram.
According
to her, these persons expressed remorse for their membership of the terrorist
group, citing lack of knowledge and the ease with which insurgents brainwashed
them into captivity.
“If Boko
Haram used their ideology based on religion to brainwash people into joining
them, we must also use religion to tell them the truth. Therefore, I suggest
that the government use religion to correct this troubling narrative,” she
said.
Allamin
stressed that over 800 deradicalised women sensitised under the ‘Building
Bridges of Reconciliation: A Community-Based Approach to Deradicalisation of
Women and Girls in Borno State,’ and are now contributing to society.
“They
are prepared to embrace a new life free from violence and become responsible
members of society, contributing to peacebuilding and the overall development
of their communities,” she added.
Source: leadership.ng
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://leadership.ng/6900-surrendered-boko-haram-terrorists-to-face-transitional-justice-borno-govt/#google_vignette
--------
Tinubu
is neither anti-North nor anti-Islam – Shettima
July 30,
2024
Vice-President
Kashim Shettima says contrary to speculations in some quarters, President Bola
Tinubu is neither anti-north nor anti-islam.
By
Salisu Sani-Idris
Vice-President
Kashim Shettima says contrary to speculations in some quarters, President Bola
Tinubu is neither anti-north nor anti-islam.
Shettima
said this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by representatives of media
practitioners from the northern part of the country at the Presidential Villa,
Abuja.
He said
that President Tinubu has reflected that in appointments to key positions in
Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Shettima,
therefore, solicited the support of Nigerians for the actualisation of the
programmes and policies of Tinubu’s administration.
The
vice-president insisted that President Tinubu means well for all Nigerians.
He said
current statistics of appointments into MDAs show President Tinubu’s choice of
northerners for key areas such as agriculture, security, communications
technology, health and allied services, among other positions in the federal
government.
Shettima
maintained that the present administration has genuine intentions to transform
the lives of many in the North through laudable initiatives geared toward
addressing the issues confronting the people.
He cited
the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC) and the
creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development as good example’s of Tinubu’s
commitment to better the lives of Nigerians.
“President
Tinubu means well for the North. Let us disabuse the minds of our people who
have been misinformed that the President does not like the North.
“Who was
instrumental in signing the North-West Development Commission bill into law,
and who created the Ministry of Livestock Development.?
“It is
this same President. He gave the approval for the launch of the RSPIC
Initiative, a non kinetic approach to the crisis in the northwest region by
building an entire ecosystem for victims of the crisis.
According
to Shettima, these policies will have a direct and positive impact on the
northern people.
“I want
to reiterate this fact, and I am saying it because I know the President’s
disposition towards the north. He is a good and just man.
“He loves the north and is working for its
transformation,” he said, and emphasised the need for the media to rally around
the present administration.
On the
planned nationwide protest, Shettima acknowledged the right of citizens to
protest.
He,
however, said that it has its own demerits that are not pleasant.
“Today,
if they say there will be a protest, it will amount to a lot of losses. Protest
is the right of the people, but let it be known that historically, it has been
hijacked by unscrupulous elements.”
The
vice-president said that taking to the streets to protest will not guarantee
any form of development for the region.
“I am
appealing to you to unite and support the development of our region by this
present government led by President Bola Tinubu.
“I am
really soliciting your prayers and support for us at this time in the history
of our country. This is not the time to protest.
“We in
the north need to promote actions and ideals that are critical to the
development of our country; we cannot allow things to degenerate.”
He
appealed to the media practitioners to mobilise people of the region to
leverage all of the opportunities offered by the federal government to
transform the lives and livelihoods of the people.
The
vice-president stressed that Tinubu has shown his love for the North as
reflected in his appointments where people of northern extraction are occupying
sensitive positions.
He
called on northerners to give their support to the current administration under
President Tinubu in order to enhance development in the region. (NAN)
Source: newsdiaryonline.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://newsdiaryonline.com/tinubu-is-neither-anti-north-nor-anti-islam-shettima/
--------
Mali:
Nearly 50 Wagner fighters killed in an ambush
Dozens
of Wagner mercenaries were killed by jihadis and rebels over the weekend in
northern Mali in what one analyst described on Monday as the largest
battleground blow to the shadowy Russian group in years. At least two others
were taken captive.
Approximately
50 Wagner fighters in a convoy were killed in an al-Qaida ambush, which was
joined by rebels who were in pursuit, along the border with Algeria, said
Wassim Nasr, a Sahel specialist and senior research fellow at the Soufan
Center, a security think tank, who said he counted bodies in a video of the aftermath.
The
mercenaries had been fighting mostly Tuareg rebels alongside Mali's army when
their convoy was forced to retreat into jihadi territory and ambushed south of
the commune of Tinzaouaten, Nasr said.
Wagner
confirmed in a Telegram statement on Monday that some of its fighters as well
as Malian troops were killed in a battle with hundreds of militants. The
mercenary group did not say how many of its fighters were killed. Mali's army
said it lost two soldiers and 20 rebels were killed.
In a
statement over the weekend, al-Qaida asserted that 50 Wagner fighters were
killed in its attack meant to “avenge the massacres committed in the center and
north” of Mali in the yearslong battle against the extremists. The Tuareg
rebels said an unspecified number of the mercenaries and Malian soldiers
surrendered to them.
The
Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the video Nasr cited.
“This is
really important. It’s never happened before on African soil and it will change
the dynamics," Nasr said. “They (Wagner) won’t be sending any more wild
expeditions like this near the border with Algeria. They had been bragging
about how well they were doing and how strong they are, but they don’t have the
manpower to do this for long or to hold on territory to secure deployments.”
Russia
has capitalized on the deteriorating relations between the West and
coup-affected Sahel nations in West Africa to send fighters and assert its
influence. Wagner has been active in the Sahel — the vast expanse south of the
Sahara Desert — as the mercenaries profit from seized mineral riches in
exchange for their security services.
Wagner
has been present in Mali since late 2021 following a military coup, replacing
French troops and international peacekeepers in helping to fight militants who
have threatened communities in the central and northern regions for more than a
decade. At the same time, Wagner has been accused of helping to carry out raids
and drone strikes that have killed civilians.
The
group has had an estimated 1,000 fighters in Mali.
Since
helping Mali's forces to regain control of the key northern town of Kidal,
Wagner mercenaries have been overconfident and overstretched, said independent
analyst John Lechner.
He said
failures like the weekend ambush are the reason why the Wagner brand was
retained in Mali. “Large losses or setbacks are attributed to private military
companies," he said. "Victories to the (Russian) ministry of
defense.”
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/30/mali-nearly-50-wagner-fighters-killed-in-an-ambush/
--------
Gunmen
Kidnap Former Lawmaker In Delta
30 July
2024
Reports
obtained by Naija News on Tuesday evening revealed that the former member of
the House of Representatives was in her church, King Jesus and I, situated on
Ogajifo Street, which is off DSB Road, when the assailants attacked.
Two
officers of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the former lawmaker, and her
driver were reportedly killed in the violent incident on Tuesday night in
Asaba, the capital of Delta State.
It was
gathered that the gunmen open fire on the security officials upon arriving the
worship centre and immediately whisked away Onyemaechi and her children into an
unknown location.
The
PUNCH quoted local sources to have confirmed that a bullet accidentally hit an
innocent bystander, who died immediately.
“The
gunmen stormed the church and immediately shot at the police orderlies and the
driver. They then drove the lawmaker away in her SUV, firing indiscriminately
in the street. Unfortunately, a stray bullet hit a young man, who died on the
spot,” a source reportedly said.
Onlyemaechi
was the immediate past Commissioner for Technical Education during Governor
Sheriff Oborevwori’s term before stepping down to enable her younger brother to
take over the leadership role in the council elections that just ended.
Upon
being reached out to, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright
Edafe, acknowledged the kidnapping case but mentioned that the incident
resulted in the deaths of just one police officer and another individual.
He said,
“Only a police officer and one other were killed; I do not know if the other
was the driver. They took only her.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/07/30/just-in-gunmen-kidnap-former-lawmaker-in-delta/
--------
Borno
Govt Declares Transitional Justice For 6,900 Boko Haram Terrorists
30 July
2024
Naija
News understands that transitional justice serves as a peace-building strategy
aimed at confronting the aftermath of severe atrocities and breaking the cycle
of ongoing violent conflict through various measures, including restitution,
reconciliation, prosecution, and amnesty.
The
latest decision by the government was disclosed to newsmen by the State
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo, during
the conclusion of a best practices dissemination event in Maiduguri on Tuesday.
Zuwaira
further elaborated that since the onset of mass surrenders in 2021, a total of
200,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families have surrendered to the state
government.
She
highlighted that over 80,000 farmers had been recruited into the sect, along
with 35,000 women, more than 50,000 children and minors, among others.
Additionally,
she mentioned that nearly 9,000 individuals have successfully reintegrated into
society, emphasizing that the program has achieved significant success due to
its community-focused approach.
“So far,
about 200,000 Boko Haram terrorists and their families have surrendered to the
state government.
“Let say
this, we have about 6,900 real Boko Haram fighters in our custody and they will
face transitional justice because they have committed crimes. We are working on
that they are real fighters,” the commissioner declared.
During
her introductory speech, Hamsatu Allamin, the Executive Director of the Allamin
Foundation for Peace and Development, mentioned that the individuals who
surrendered expressed remorse for their involvement with the Boko Haram group,
attributing it to their lack of knowledge and susceptibility to being
manipulated while in captivity.
She
said: “If Boko Haram built their ideology on religion to brainwash people to
join them, we also must use religion to tell them the truth, so I am saying the
government should use religion to correct these ugly narratives.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/07/30/borno-govt-declares-transitional-justice-for-6900-boko-haram-terrorists/
--------
Boko
Haram plans to infiltrate nationwide protest – Police
July 30,
2024
Boko
Haram insurgents are strategising to infiltrate planned protest in Yobe State,
police said.
The
spokesman of the Yobe State Police Command, Dungus Abdulkarim, stated this in a
statement in Yobe, the state capital.
He said
intelligence received by the command indicated that foreign mercenaries have
been engaged to destroy lives and property during the protest.
Mr
Abdulkarim, a deputy superintendent of police, therefore called on individuals
planning to participate in the protest to exercise caution.
“As Yobe
state recovers from insurgency, the Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed,
acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
“While
we alert citizens to sinister motives, even peaceful protests at this time may
be ill-timed.
“Recent
insurgency activities in Gujba LGA, including an improvised Explosive Device
(IED) explosion, have raised concerns.
“We are
unprepared to face additional security challenges,” he said, and warned that
criminals trying to hide under the protest to destabilise the state would face
the wrath of the law.
According
to Mr Abdulkarim, for a hitch-free protest, the protesters are required to
indicate proposed protest routes and assembly points.
The
spokesman said they should also state expected duration of the protest, names
and contact details of leaders and organizers and measures to prevent hijacking
by criminal elements.
“By
providing this information, we can deploy adequate personnel and resources;
designate specific routes and areas, establish clear communication channels,
and minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or criminal activity.
“We
encourage protesters to cooperate with the Police, obey the law, and adhere to
global best practices for peaceful assembly.
Source: premiumtimesng.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nwest/718773-boko-haram-plans-to-infiltrate-nationwide-protest-police.html
---------
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/waqf-property-daughter-shah-jahan-tomb/d/132835